Cherokee Distributing has a post with some standard tailgating tips. But most importantly they supplied a sample tailgating menu based on their opponent’s local fare and/or mascots. This is a good example of how you can diversify your offerings beyond fried chicken, burgers, etc.
You can also pick food styles and beverages that fit your tailgate whether they celebrate the home team or represent your opponent. That way you can try new things and enjoy some variety throughout the season. Here are some festive menu ideas for the first five big games the Vols will face this season:
Sept. 11 – vs. Oregon – in Knoxville – When the Ducks come to town, face the challenge head on by preparing grilled duck breast. To top it off, serve with Duck-Rabbit Amber Ale.
Sept. 18 – vs. Florida – in Knoxville – There’s only one thing to serve when playing the University of Florida, and that’s fried Gator tail. In celebration of the Orange and Blue crew coming to town, sip on a Blue Moon garnished with an orange slice.
Oct. 2 – vs. LSU – in Baton Rouge, La. – Whether you travel down to Louisiana or enjoy the game from home, the LSU showdown calls for a celebration of Cajun food. Prepare some spicy jambalaya – a yummy, hearty tailgating dish – and serve it with Abita Purple Haze, brewed in Abita Springs, just north of New Orleans.
Oct. 9 – vs. Georgia – in Athens, Ga. – When the Vols play the Bulldogs, it’s a classic rivalry that calls for a classic tailgating staple: hotdogs. But, why not mix it up and serve “Sloppy Dawgs” – in honor of how you may hope the opposing team will play! And with new UT Head Coach Derek Dooley returning to his hometown to coach against his law school alma mater – and where his dad Vince Dooley was legendary football coach for 25 years – pick up the Shiner Family Reunion variety pack for the occasion.
Oct. 23 – vs. Alabama – in Knoxville – When the Crimson Tide rolls in to Tennessee, it’s time to break out the barbeque. If you want to sample authentic Tide fare, order some Dreamland Bar-b-que sauce from the Tide’s hometown of Tuscaloosa. But, if you want to stay loyal to Big Orange Country, try the delicious sauces from local restaurants Calhoun’s, Sweet P’s BBQ and Soul House, Buddy’s bar-b-q or Dead End BBQ. Enjoy the southern staple with Twisted Tea Hard Iced Tea, a fun twist on the South’s favorite drink.
This is a really easy to make appetizer that can be prepared the night before tailgating. The recipe comes from Epicurious
Asparagus with Wasabi Mayonnaise Dip
Ingredients:
3 lb thin to medium Asparagus, trimmed
1 cup Mayonnaise
4 teaspoons Soy Sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons Sugar
2 teaspoons Fresh Lemon Juice
2 teaspoons Wasabi Paste or Powder (add more for spicier result)
Directions:
Blanch asparagus in 2 batches in a large saucepan of boiling salted water for 1 minute. Transfer to a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking. Drain well and pat dry.
Whisk together mayonnaise, soy sauce, sugar, lemon juice, and wasabi paste until sugar is dissolved. Serve asparagus with dip.
As far as grilling for a large group of people, this recipe is about as easy as it gets. Short prep time, dummy proof grilling, and it tastes great every time. Below are the ingredients for a rub that can be made in large batches and used for chicken as well. You can apply the rub at home and then transport the tenderloins to your tailgating spot in a cooler. A 2.5 pound package usually contains two cuts of tenderloin that are perfect for this recipe.
Pour a little olive oil on the tenderloin and then sprinkle the rub over both sides. How much you sprinkle depends on how well the crowd can handle spice. Preheat a grill to around 450-500 degrees. We will be using the 7-6-5 method on a gas grill. You can find charcoal instructions here. Place the tenderloins on the grill and close lid. After seven minutes, flip the tenderloin and close the lid. After six minutes, while keeping the lid closed, cut off the heat to the grill. After five minutes, remove the tenderloins from the grill and let sit for five minutes. Remember to bring a large sharp knife tailgating so you can carve the meat across the grain into medallions.
It can’t cause cardiac arrest because it’s so damn cute right? This is a hamburger patty, topped with sharp cheddar, enveloped in a bacon weave, and then hot dog appendages. This is the Turtle Burger. Not a bad idea for a Maryland tailgate as a fan or opponent.
It’s always easy to have chicken fingers, hamburgers, or hot dogs while tailgating. But it’s also fun to tailor your menu towards your opponent. So when LSU, Louisiana Tech, or another school from the Bayou rolls into town, it’s always a good excuse to break out the Cajun recipes. I’ve adapted this recipe slightly from Paula Deen’s version to make easier to make for tailgating. You can either prepare this at home and reheat it at your spot, or you can combine the ingredients in a plastic bag, throw them in a cooler, and do all the cooking on your camping stove.
Tailgating Jambalaya Recipe
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups water
1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 pound fully cooked smoked sausage, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 cup long-grain rice
3 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
Directions
In a large pot, combine ingredients. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat and let simmer for 25 minutes. Stir occasionally, especially at the end to avoid the rice sticking to the bottom of the pot. Remove bay leaf before serving. Serves 4-6 bowls.
