6 Brunch-Themed Tailgate Recipes

There’s nothing quite like game-day. Rowdy crowds, the spirit of competition, and the irresistible aroma of tailgate food wafting through the air. Whichever team you’re on, tailgating is a time-honored tradition that brings fans together in the best way. In this special round up, our Associate Editor of Creative Content, Brittany Furbee, reimagines tailgating season with these 6 recipes that score big on flavor.

Brunch Tailgate Recipes and Tailgating Tips

Cinnamon Roll Espresso Martinis

Brittany Furbee elevates tailgating with her cinnamon roll espresso martinis, a spirited recipe guaranteed to have you buzzing with team pride

Tailgate Tip

To easily serve a crowd, multiply each ingredient in the single-serving martini recipe by 8. For the martinis, combine all liquid ingredients in a large pitcher and chill until ready to serve. In a large airtight container, combine sugars and cinnamon for dipping the glass rim and store until ready to serve. For a nonalcoholic version, stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of syrup into hot or iced coffee for a cozy mocktail.

Baked Fireball Whiskey Donuts

Kick off your tailgate with fire. These baked Fireball whiskey donuts bring the heat and the sweet! Infused with cinnamon spice and a splash of bold whiskey flavor, they’re the perfect game day treat to get the party fired up.

Tailgate Tip

Donuts can be made the night before and packed in a bakery box or biscuit tin. Serve with spiked coffee, cider, or Fireball cocktails for the perfect pairing.

Grilled Apple Butter Chicken and Biscuit Sliders

Brittany Furbee brings these grilled apple butter chicken and biscuit sliders as the ultimate tailgate crowd-pleaser. Juicy grilled chicken, rich apple butter, and fluffy biscuits come together for a sandwich that scores big every time.

Southwest Breakfast Egg Rolls

Pregame with these Southwest breakfast egg rolls— crispy, golden wrappers stuffed with chorizo, scrambled eggs, peppers, and beans. They’re the perfect handheld bite to kick off your tailgate flavor.

Tailgate Tip

Egg rolls can be made the night before and stored in an airtight container. Before serving, reheat on a grill or in toaster oven, until just warmed through and crisp.

Pimento Cheese Sausage Balls

Bring your A-game with these bite-sized sausage balls. They are savory, cheesy, and packed with a peppery kick. Made with breakfast sausage, sharp cheddar, and creamy pimento cheese, they’re the kind of crowd-pleasing snack that disappears before halftime!

Tailgate Tip

To make ahead, form sausage balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen by adding 5 minutes to baking time. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.

Sticky Beer-Glazed Pork Belly

These beer-glazed pork belly bites are the MVP of your tailgate spread. Braised in dark beer, garlic, ginger, and sriracha then finished with a sweet, sticky glaze, these tender cubes are ideal fodder for a hungry crowd.

Tailgate Tip

Pork belly bites can be made in advance and stored in a foil pan. To reheat in the oven, preheat to 350 degrees and bake for 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat the pan on a preheated grill for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serve with toothpicks for a mess-free snack.

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