Tara Teaspoon

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • Newsletter
  • Shop
  • About
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cookbooks
    • Newsletter
    • Shop
    • About
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    TaraTeaspoon » Holidays + Celebrations » Party Foods

    This page contains affiliate and sponsored links. See my full disclosure.

    Tailgating Kabobs For Game Day

    Published: Sep 6, 2020 · Updated: Feb 12, 2022 by Tara Teaspoon

    the best kabobs for tailgating
    Tailgating Kabobs for Game Day

    It's football season so I'm bringing you 15 Tasty Tailgating Kabobs to make on game day! I know that burgers and hot dogs are the go-to for your pre-game cookout, but if you're feeling adventurous I have some recipes for you!


    Those of you who have been following the blog for a while know that I love skewers!

    Kabobs, kebabs, kebobs (whatever you call them!) are super fun to eat and easier to serve. So, why not have them at your next tailgating party!

    Make-ahead kebabs

    They'll make your life easier and your party a blast. The nice thing about most of these recipes is that you can make them before you leave the house, and then warm up when you get to the stadium.

    If you're tailgating at home or homegating, you can simply have these ready, grill them on the spot, or keep them ready in the oven.


    Grab the skewers and the grill! These tasty tailgating kabobs are surefire hits for the pre-game cookout.

    Tailgate Kabobs: Loaded Tater Tot Skewers
    Loaded Tater Tots
    You can't go wrong with tater tots, cheese and bacon! If you want to snack on these before the game you could try cooking them on the grill or just make them ahead of time and warm them up.
    Recipe
    Chicken skewers arranged in a circle around dipping sauce
    Sunshine Chicken Skewers
    Simple skewers of chicken, pineapple and tomatoes become a work of art when arranged in a sunburst on the platter.
    Recipe
    Tailgate Kabobs: Rainbow Veggie
    Rainbow Veggies
    Here's a great tailgate snack that won't break your diet. And let's be honest, who doesn't love grilled veggies!
    Recipe
    Tailgate Kabobs: BBQ Chicken and Pineapple
    BBQ Chicken Pineapple
    This classic is a must-have at any grilling party. Sweet pineapple, tangy BBQ sauce and savory chicken are one tasty combo!
    Recipe
    bunless burger slides
    Bunless Burger Bites
    Forget sliders! Grab all your favorite burger toppings, some skewers and hed to the grill. This Delish recipe has you cook the mini patties first and then assemble them on kabobs.
    Recipe
    Tailgate Kabobs: Chicken Fajita Lime
    Cilantro-Lime Chicken Fajita Hello Fajitas
    Serious Eats is grilling up some serious flavor with this recipe. Just marinate everything ahead of time and pop them on the grill when it's game time.
    Recipe
    grilled Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers on serving plate
    Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers
    Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers with a simple marinade bring authentic cooking home. Tender chicken and colorful vegetables only take a few minutes to make and grill. 
    Recipe
    Tailgate Kabobs: Caramel Apple and Brie
    Caramel Apple and Brie
    Who doesn't love caramel apples in the fall! This kabob version is easier to eat and has a little twist. The creamy, nutty flavor of Brie is such a great complement to the salty caramel and sour apple. For your tailgate party, skewer the apple and brie beforehand and then bring the caramel as a dipping sauce. Yum!
    Recipe
    Tailgate Kabobs: Steak and Potato
    Steak and Potato
    Here's a hearty meal on a stick! Steak and potato kabobs are sure to be a hit at your tailgate party. And don't let the name fool you, there are mushrooms on those skewers too!
    Recipe
    Tailgate Kabobs: Shrimp Boil Packet
    Shrimp Boil
    Bring the boiled packets out to the grill with these spicy kabobs. You get all that great cajun flavor plus the smoky char from the fire!
    Recipe
    chic
    Chicken Club Skewer
    That's right: sandwich on a stick! No need to worry about all your toppings falling out or your bread getting soggy. Just bring some mustard for dipping and you're all set.
    Recipe
    Tailgate Kabobs: Easy Bratwurst
    Easy Bratwurst
    If you feel like something other than beef or chicken, give bratwurst a try. This recipe also includes balsamic mustard which would be fantastic for dipping!
    Recipe
    Tailgate Kabobs: Antipasto
    Antipasto
    Here's a slightly fancier option just in case you like a little wine at your tailgating kabobs party. These skewers have got it all: tortellini, tomatoes, olives, salami. They're super easy to throw together and positively delicious!
    Recipe

    Sweet and dessert kabobs

    Kabobs can be dessert too! Check out these colorful and sweet treats made on a skewer.

    The beauty of these ideas is that you can make them your own. Experiment and use your own favorite ingredients.

    Tailgate Kabobs: Candy
    Gummy Candy
    So far we've got tater tots, burgers, club sandwiches and fajitas on a skewer - why not candy too? The Candy Blogger uses gummies but I suppose you could use just about any sweet that will stay on a stick.
    Recipe
    Tailgate Kabobs: Rainbow Fruit
    Rainbow Fruit
    While we're at it, let's put fruit on a stick too! This way you don't have to bother with bowls and forks and it'll be a lot more fun for the kiddos. Just make them before you leave and keep them in the cooler.
    Recipe

    Tailgating at home:

    If you couldn't get tickets to the game, celebrate good tailgating food at home! Check out these other game-day snacks and crafts:

    Posh Piggies Game Day Snacks

    21 Super Bowl Snacks from Near and Far

    Super Bowl Snack Bowls the Kids Can Make

    Indoor Tailgating Advice

    Fall Side Dishes

    • A bowl of 4 cheese mac and cheese with ground pepper on top.
      4 Cheese Mac and Cheese
    • Close up of a partially unwrapped honey cornbread muffin with honey dripping off the top.
      Honey Cornbread Muffins
    • Close up of slice of sweet potato cornbread with honey drizzle.
      Sweet Potato Cornbread
    • Bowl of mashed potatoes with butter and scallions on a Thanksgiving table.
      Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
    • Close up spoon full of mashed potatoes with melty cheese on top.
      Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Recipe
    • close up of rosemary mashed potatoes in a bowl with fresh rosemary garnish
      Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
    • bowl of boston baked beans with bacon
      Easy Boston Baked Beans (with Canned Beans)
    • toasted bread crumbs on caramelized onion and smoked gouda mac and cheese
      Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs
    Tara in kitchen making salad

    Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in food publishing for over 25 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television, food brands, & advertising. With two cookbooks under my belt and thousands of my recipes at your fingertips, I hope you'll be inspired to spend more time in the kitchen!

    More about Tara

    Collection produced by Megan Wald

    Comments

      Review Or Ask A Question! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating





      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh says

      January 29, 2018 at 2:10 pm

      Food on sticks is so fun! I love how easy they are to just carry around, without the need of a plate. These all sound so tasty, and perfect for any party.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:34 pm

        Agreed! I can never balance all the plates and glasses and such.

        Reply
    2. Laura @ Mommy Dearest says

      January 29, 2018 at 3:49 pm

      Food on a stick is always so much fun, and is generally a big hit with everyone in attendance. I can't wait to give some of these a try. Chili sauce is one of our favourites for dipping for just about anything. I was at a loss as to what to make for super bowl, Thank you I now know what we are going to do.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:33 pm

        Awesome. Oh I agree, love the chili sauce.

        Reply
    3. Beth Davidson says

      January 29, 2018 at 7:56 pm

      I honestly get so exhausted just thinking of making skewers, but they are so fun to serve. What method do you use? Any tools, tips or tricks to make this beautiful food?

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:32 pm

        Oh it's all about assembly lines and prep. For sure I get all my little pieces prepped and organized first. Everything gets chopped, marinated, cut etc. Then I lay it all out in order on the counter and make each kabob quickly without having to dig through piles of mixed veggies or bits.

        Reply
    4. Angela Tolsma says

      January 29, 2018 at 10:56 pm

      I totally want to make the loaded tater tots!! And the candy kabobs are awesome, won't have thought to do candy ones!

      Reply
    5. Rachel says

      January 30, 2018 at 12:10 pm

      I need to get some sticks! I would love to eat most of these and so I should definitely make some. The chicken and pineapple....mmmmmm

      Reply
    6. Cassie S says

      January 30, 2018 at 6:12 pm

      The BBQ Chicken pineapple has my mouth watering! I love incorporating pineapples in my kabobs. These are perfect for tailgating and will be the perfect Super Bowl treat as well 🙂 I am excited to try some of these. Thanks xx 🙂

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:27 pm

        Ohh for sure! Enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Jessica says

      January 30, 2018 at 8:06 pm

      I love kabobs! They are the perfect tailgaiting and party foods! We make them often, and I totally need to try some of these recipes.

      Reply
    8. Taylor says

      January 30, 2018 at 8:52 pm

      These are all such GREAT ideas. I love kabobs because the prep and cooking is so easy - not to mention the clean up. Lovely post!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:26 pm

        For sure! Thanks!

        Reply
    9. Maria says

      January 31, 2018 at 12:30 am

      Kabobs are SO fun!! I grew up eating them (I'm half Greek!) but I love all the nontraditional versions (those gummy candy ones look adorable!!)

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:26 pm

        Oh I'll bet your Greek kabobs are delish!

        Reply
    10. Cindy Ingalls says

      January 31, 2018 at 1:13 am

      Wow, I had no idea you could do so much with kabobs. I really love the dessert and fruit kabobs. They are so fun and unexpected, not to mention they look so delicious.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:24 pm

        So many possibilities!

        Reply
    11. shandy kaye says

      January 31, 2018 at 9:16 am

      Easy to make and always delicious when tailgating . It is a perfect way to serve up a lot of different tasty foods into wonderful tiny bite.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:19 pm

        I always like the tiny bites. I can eat more flavors and variety!

        Reply
    12. Brittany says

      January 31, 2018 at 10:38 am

      How healthy would it be if I made all of them on game day!? They all look good. I don't know if I could choose between them all.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:18 pm

        Ha! You'd be busy cooking for days, but would probably make a lot of new friends!

        Reply
    13. Andrea says

      January 31, 2018 at 4:51 pm

      Oh my gosh these all look amazing. Especially those loaded tater tots! I guess it's time to start watching football again haha!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:18 pm

        I eat them anytime! I love taters too.

        Reply
    14. Kimberly says

      January 31, 2018 at 6:08 pm

      kabobs are such a fun idea to have for any party!. they all look so good!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:17 pm

        Ah thanks!

        Reply
    15. Heather says

      February 01, 2018 at 9:16 pm

      The loaded tater tots look awesome and so festive! My daughters really like tater tots so this would be a great family friendly snack before the Big Game!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:17 pm

        Awesome, a good snack anytime!

        Reply
    16. Melissa says

      February 02, 2018 at 12:25 pm

      OMG! I tried narrowing down my choices to just 3, but its impossible! They all look amazing. Kabobs are such a great party food, and the combinations are endless.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:15 pm

        Haha! It will have to be all of them!

        Reply
    17. Ifeoluwa says

      February 02, 2018 at 5:30 pm

      So many ideas! I love the kabobs and skewers. Can't wait to make these at the next tailgating party

      Reply
      • Tara says

        February 04, 2018 at 9:15 pm

        Oh good! Enjoy!

        Reply
    18. Mia says

      January 01, 2021 at 8:59 pm

      I'm going to start with the Sunshine Chicken Skewers first and work my way through. These look so divine! Thank you!

      Reply
    the best kabobs for tailgating
    Tailgating Kabobs for Game Day

    Hi, I'm Tara Teaspoon!

    I’ve been sharing my original ideas for years. What began as a passion, turned into a publishing career as Food Editor at Martha Stewart Living and Ladies’ Home Journal magazines.

    Now I write cookbooks, and share delicious recipes and expert cooking tips with you here! Thanks for stopping by Tara Teaspoon!

    More about me →

    Popular

    • square feature image of turkey pot pie with biscuits on top in a cast iron skillet.
      Turkey Pot Pie with Biscuits
    • featured image of the perfect slice of lemon lush icebox dessert.
      Lemon Lush
    • feature square of swiss meringue buttercream from Live Life Deliciously cookbook.
      Swiss Meringue Buttercream Recipe
    • Three stacked Easter blondies on a small white plate.
      Mini Egg Cookie Bars

    Cookbooks

    Tara Teaspoon Cookbooks

    Footer

    the best kabobs for tailgating
    Tailgating Kabobs for Game Day

    Subscribe for emails and exclusive updates!

    Sign me up!
    Tara Teaspoon horizontal logo

    ↑back to top

    Explore

    • Recipe Index
    • Cookbooks
    • New Posts
    • Newsletter Subscribe

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Refund Policy
    • Disclaimer & Terms

    Copyright © 2025 Tara Teaspoon, Inc • Powered by Feast+