[This post is sponsored by ALDI. I’m excited to work with them to share some delicious seasonal dishes!]
Oh my gosh — it’s time!
I couldn’t be more thrilled to start sharing tailgate recipes. Give me all the snacks and cider!
Today I’m partnering with ALDI to share my favorite no-fuss recipes for football season. A few weeks ago we tested a bunch of ideas to build a spread you’ll love. ALDI was my one-stop shop for everything I needed: ingredients to assemble simple dishes, a few prepared favorites like pulled pork, and lots of snacks we enjoy.
I’m so excited to show you how to make a killer tailgate spread with ALDI. Every year I share football food recipes and tailgate menus, and this season I gathered the best items to make a quick, affordable, no-fuss spread for game weekends this fall.
Let’s get to it!
Veggie Walking Tacos for a Crowd
I used a big bag of Clancy’s Tortilla Chips to make a giant vegetarian walking taco. This has been a favorite for years: it’s simple, customizable and always a hit. Rip open the bag of chips, add sautéed peppers and onions, then top with cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and cilantro. You can also add chicken or pork if you like. It’s an embarrassingly easy way to make nachos and perfect for sharing on a busy tailgate table.
Pulled Pork on Hawaiian Rolls with Crunchy Slaw
Another tailgate staple is Park Street Deli Pulled Pork served on L’Oven Fresh Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. I’m a huge pulled pork fan and this combination is so good. I tossed the pork with Burman’s Kansas City BBQ Sauce and served it with a crisp homemade slaw.
To make the slaw, use a bag of coleslaw mix and add sliced bell pepper and sliced jalapeño. Season with salt and pepper, squeeze on fresh lime, and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to combine for a crunchy, bright slaw that pairs perfectly with sweet, saucy pulled pork.
Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
Buffalo chicken pasta salad is a huge hit because it keeps well and tastes great chilled. For this version I boiled Priano Rigatoni Bronze Cut Pasta and used Lunch Mate Grilled Chicken Breast Strips for convenience and flavor. Add shredded carrots, cilantro, scallions, a little celery, white cheddar and blue cheese for crunch and bold flavor.
For the dressing, whisk together 1/4 cup mayo with 1/4 cup Burman’s Hot Sauce, then add a dash of apple cider vinegar, some chopped chives and a pinch of sugar. Toss the pasta with just enough dressing to coat — if you prefer a saucier salad, double the dressing. This salad stays vibrant in the fridge and is easy to serve straight from a cooler or bowl.
Tailgate Sangria
To make a crowd-pleasing sangria, stir together one bottle of pinot noir, 1 cup orange juice, 1 cup apple cider, 1 cup lemon-lime soda, 1/2 cup brandy, one chopped apple, one sliced orange and one sliced lime. Mix and chill until ready to serve. Multiply quantities to fit your crowd.
Other favorites we keep coming back to from ALDI:
- Kirkwood Honey BBQ wings — these are consistently tasty and great with a warm blue cheese dip.
- Savoritz Garlic Pita Crackers — a crunchy snack that pairs well with dips.
- Park Street Deli Hummus Quartet — a nice variety to suit different tastes.
- Seasoned pretzels made with Clancy’s Pretzel Twists — an easy homemade snack.
This was so much fun to put together, and I love that ALDI makes it easy to grab everything you need for a full tailgate spread. They also offer seasonal items like buffalo check outdoor blankets and premium stadium seats, so you can prepare for game day in style. These seasonal items are available for a limited time, so check your local store.
What’s on your tailgate list this year? I live for this season and love getting ideas from you — share your favorites!