Fall is in the air!! And that means it is tailgate party season. College football just kicked off a few weeks ago, and I don’t know about your families, but my friends and family love gathering together to enjoy the big game! From your favorite high school team to your favorite college and pro teams, gathering with like-minded fans for some pre-game revelry is a great way to get psyched up for a game. But let’s be honest here; it’s the food that really brings us all together. And these easy Bellisari’s recipes are perfect for the event.
Tailgating is essentially hanging out before the game, stocked with plenty of food, drink, sports paraphernalia, and good company. To get the most out of it, you’ll definitely need a serious cooler, a set of comfy folding chairs, and an eye for seizing the perfect spot in any given parking lot.
Depending on what time kickoff is, if you need something hardy enough to count as a meal, our Saigon pulled pork is easily made in your crockpot the night before the big game and is always a crowd favorite! (https://bellisaris.com/blogs/how-to-videos/how-to-make-bellisaris-saigon-ginger-beer-pulled-pork).
Even if you don’t plan to serve a “meal” per say, you’ll need some of our pulled pork to make these perfect “Gameday” Saigon Pulled Pork Sweet Potato Bites.
Ingredients:2 small sweet potatoes
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Bellisari's Saigon Pulled Pork
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley (minced)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Scrub the sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices and place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 10-12 minutes or until the sweet potato rounds are just fork tender. Evenly divide the pulled pork onto each sweet potato round. Return to the oven for a minute or two to warm the pork. Garnish with the cheddar cheese and fresh minced parsley. Additional toppings: caramelized onions, mozzarella cheese, pickled jalapeno pepper, and/or pickles.
Another fan favorite for any sports gathering, chicken wings are game-day must and might just be the quintessential tailgate food! A welcome change from buffalo wings, this recipe has a little Asian flavor twist that will keep your guests wanting more -- https://bellisaris.com/pages/sonoma-wings.
As the game before the game, tailgating is a great way to showcase your team pride and give your guests, friends, and family an entertaining day they won’t soon forget. A great tailgate isn’t simply thrown together, however. There should be some pregame planning involved in order to set off your parking lot party full of games, grub, and good times.
The modern tailgate often happens in designated tailgating areas, such as open fields or vacant lots, near the stadium or arena. Since stadium parking lots are roomy and spacious, there is plenty of territory to tailgate wherever you park and a good chance you’ll have neighbors who are lounging about, also waiting for the game.
Whether you plan to host your very first tailgate party or throw your 12th-annual game-day gathering, the key elements to a successful party remain the same. You need a location that offers shade and shelter against the ever-evolving fall weather, fresh food that keeps guests satisfied all day, and seating that provides the crucial back support all adults need to survive a full day of cheering.
Kick off tailgate season with delicious Bellisari’s recipes that sports fans will enjoy. You need to celebrate your team in style this fall. Our game-day recipes are guaranteed to keep your tailgate crew comfortable and happy no matter the weather or score at the end of the game. Happy Tailgating!!
