Cold tailgate food ideas are a must when planning a football party. You’ll notice that many dishes we’re about to recommend are similar to football party finger food ideas. After all, they’re just as easy to prepare as they are to consume. And when you’re partaking in outdoor festivities, simplicity is exactly what you need. 

The cold tailgate food category comprises a ton of delicious recipes. From dips for football party festivities to classic half time snacks for football fans, we’re about to cover it all. Then, we’ll explain why such items should be part of game day and Super Bowl catering menus, as well as online ordering platforms. Read on for the details!

13 Cold Tailgate Food Ideas 

There are more cold tailgate food ideas than you might think! Below, you’ll find thirteen options that you can add to your menu. Maybe you operate one of the many sports bars to watch football. Or, perhaps you're hosting something at home like a Super Bowl watch party. Either way, these dishes are sure to be popular food favorites. Now, let’s dig in!

1. Mini Sandwiches 

Cold tailgate food ideas typically revolve around lunch and dinner entree food. However, there’s almost always a casual dining element. After all, football fans are tailgating in parking lots and other outdoor venues. With this in mind, sandwiches are a great cold tailgate food option.

Some of the best sandwich combinations for a tailgate include:

• Ham and Cheese
• Chicken Salad
• Tuna Salad
• Veggies and Hummus
• Chicken Caesar

Simply cut large subs into miniature pieces. Then, wrap them in aluminum foil. This way, they’ll stay cool, fresh, and organized in your coolers.

2. Coleslaw

As one of the most popular side dishes to food in football bars, coleslaw is best when served at a cool temperature. The cabbage and mayonnaise blend can be stored in coolers. Just make sure that it doesn't sit out in the sun for long periods of time. If it does, food spoilage can become a major risk.

3. Potato Salad

Most potato-based recipes must be kept warm. So, dishes like baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, and fries are off the table for tailgate parties. However, potato salad is a great option. Plus, it pairs deliciously with burgers and hot dogs–two popular tailgate foods.

4. Macaroni Salad

Who doesn’t love pasta? But similarly to potatoes, most pasta dishes are hot. However, macaroni salad is a tasty classic that is best served chilly. The most convenient part? All macaroni salad recipes vary from one another. Therefore, you can make it your own, and it’ll still be a go-to option. Plus, most people at the tailgate will get to try something unique.

5. Fresh Fruit

Fruit may not seem like the most obvious cold tailgate food idea. However, it’s a great snack for many people depending on their dietary needs. For instance, berries are ideal for health purposes, especially if you need ideas for keto Super Bowl snacks. Simply make skewers with your fresh produce for an innovative aesthetic. Or, serve a fruit salad with some kind of cool whip mixture.

6. Mixed Nuts

A variety of nuts like almonds, cashews, and peanuts are a few healthy tailgate food options. The best part is that it doesn't matter if they get too hot or cold. Either way, the flavor and consistency will remain the same. And if you’re trying to come up with vegan and vegetarian Super Bowl food ideas, mixed nuts will be a suitable option.

7. Cookies

Even tailgate parties can feature items from a traditional dessert menu. And what’s easier than cookies? From oatmeal raisin to chocolate chip, there are so many fan favorites. Plus, it’s one of our favorite cold tailgate food ideas because in some cases, people actually prefer cookies to be cold. If you're making them from scratch, don't forget the sprinkles and food coloring to enhance team spirit.

8. Brownie Bites 

You’ll probably find that at any tailgate sports bar, brownies are on the menu. So, incorporate them into your tailgating festivities. They’re easy, delicious, and should always be a menu item within all football party ideas. 

Dips can be a dish on their own. Check out the following section for the remaining five cold tailgate food ideas that you can order online. 

Dips for for Football Party Festivities

If you review the menu from the best sports bar to watch football in your town, you’ll probably see at least one kind of dip on the appetizer list. Not only are they shareable dishes amongst group dining orders, but they’re fairly inexpensive to prepare. This means that they’re also ideal to keep in your tailgate cooler on game days. 

Some chip and dip alternatives that serve as cold tailgate food ideas include:

9. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips

10. Salsa and Corn Chips

11. Hummus and Pita Chips 

12. Onion Dip and Potato Chips 

13. Spinach Dip and Beer Bread 

Simply bring resealable bags of chips or bread, and store the dips in airtight containers. Then, you’ll be all ready for pregame festivities.

Why Do Restaurants Need to Sell Cold Tailgate Food Online?

Restaurants are missing out if they’re not selling cold tailgate food items online. For one, the use of delivery apps and eCommerce storefronts entail numerous growth opportunities. More specifically, they empower restaurants to boost their customer reach and order volume.

Just think about how profitable businesses are when they offer Super Bowl restaurant menus. Instead of preparing food and drinks on their own, many football fans opt for ordering go-to items online. Therefore, any game day can be just as lucrative as the most anticipated one of the year.

At Revolution Ordering, we offer restaurants and sports bars with marketplace order insertion features. In doing so, eateries are able to sell all their menu items via online ordering apps. Game days can become just as convenient for consumers as they can be profitable for restaurant owners. Does this sort of thing pique your interest? If so, schedule a demo to learn how such services can improve your restaurant enterprise!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Tailgate Food

Once you have a handful of cold tailgate food ideas in mind, it’s time to fill your coolers! But first, let’s cover just a bit more information on the topic.

What Should I Bring to a Cold Tailgate?

You should bring a variety of food items and drinks to a tailgate. It’s also a good idea to bring a music playlist, speakers, and lawn chairs. This way, you’ll have a full stomach, entertainment, and a comfortable place to socialize.

How Do You Keep Tailgate Food Cold?

You can keep tailgate food cold by storing everything in coolers. Just be sure to keep frozen ice packs in all of them. During the tailgate, it’s a good idea to close the coolers once everyone has their food and drinks. Doing so won’t let the sunlight melt the ice, causing the temperature inside to rise.

What Is the Most Popular Cold Tailgate Food?

The most popular tailgate foods are things like burgers, hot dogs, and side salads. It’s also common to see various types of appetizers like sliders, wings, and dips.

How Do You Tailgate Without a Grill?

You can tailgate without a grill by preparing a ton of dishes ahead of time. Things like finger sandwiches, cold side salads, fruit skewers, and desserts can be kept fresh in coolers. Just because grilling is a tailgate staple doesn’t mean that you need to utilize this cooking method. In fact, you can host game day festivities without related food items.

What Is Good Food to Bring to a Tailgate?

Good food options to bring to a tailgate include things like sandwiches, cold salads, chips, dips, and cookies. The key is that the food needs to be delicious whether it’s cold or room temperature. Therefore, any food items that can stay in a cooler are good ideas.

The Ultimate List of Cold Tailgate Food Ideas

Use this post as a guide for game day snacks. Before you know it, you’ll have a cooler (or two) full of delicious items to serve to those in your group. Oh, and don’t forget the one with all the drinks!