Game Day Eats
Football season is in full swing, and there’s no better way to show your team spirit than
with a tailgate party filled with mouth-watering BBQ. Whether you’re gathering with
friends and family in the parking lot or hosting a tailgate at home, game day eats are a
must. And what better way to kick off the festivities than with a spread of flavorful
smoked meats, tasty sides, and refreshing drinks?
When it comes to game day BBQ, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has perfected the art of slowcooked, smoky goodness. In this article, we’re sharing some tips and tricks from
Dickey’s to help elevate your tailgate, making sure your BBQ spread stands out as the
MVP of the day. So whether you’re searching for “barbecue near me” or “best BBQ” in
your area, this guide has everything you need to make your next tailgate a delicious
success.
Get the Right BBQ Smoker for the Job
A great tailgate BBQ starts with the right equipment. You don’t need a massive smoker
to make delicious ribs, brisket, or pulled pork. In fact, smaller portable smokers can be
perfect for game-day gatherings.
If you’re looking for “bbq in my area” and want to replicate that authentic smoky flavor,
consider getting a compact pellet smoker or a small charcoal smoker. Pellet smokers
are great for beginners because they offer a set-it-and-forget-it experience, with
consistent heat and smoke. For the more experienced BBQ aficionados, a charcoal
smoker gives you more control over the temperature and is perfect for adding that rich,
traditional smoky flavor.
Once you’ve got your smoker, be sure to prepare it for cooking. Make sure the smoker is
clean, the charcoal or wood chips are ready, and you have enough space to cook your
chosen meats. A good rule of thumb is to plan your cook times based on the size and
cut of meat you’re preparing, and make sure your smoker is running at a steady 225°F to
250°F for slow-cooked perfection.
Think Beyond Just Ribs
Ribs are always a game day favorite, but why limit yourself to just one type of meat? To
elevate your tailgate and ensure everyone’s taste buds are satisfied, offer a variety of
BBQ options. In addition to the traditional ribs, consider grilling up some pulled pork,
brisket, sausage, and even smoked chicken wings.
Pulled Pork: This tender, flavorful meat is great for sandwiches or served on itsown with a side of coleslaw. To make sure your pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser,cook it low and slow, and be sure to use a good rub and finishing sauce to bring
out the flavors.
- Brisket: A classic BBQ choice, brisket requires some patience but is totally
worth the effort. Smoked brisket has a perfect balance of smoky flavor and juicy
tenderness. Serve it sliced with a few sides, and it will surely steal the show. - Sausage: Whether it’s spicy, sweet, or smoky, sausage is easy to cook and
perfect for snacking during the game. Grill a variety of sausages and serve with
mustard, pickles, and soft buns for a simple yet satisfying BBQ experience. - Smoked Chicken Wings: If you’re looking for something a little different,
smoked chicken wings are a great option. Toss them in your favorite BBQ sauce
for a crispy, smoky snack that’ll have your guests going back for seconds.
Perfect the Sides
Great BBQ isn’t just about the meat—it’s the sides that bring the meal together. When
you’re preparing for a tailgate, make sure your sides are just as memorable as your
main dishes. Some crowd favorites include:
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, mac and
cheese is a classic BBQ side that pairs beautifully with any smoked meat. You
can even get creative with add-ins like bacon, jalapeños, or a crunchy topping
for extra flavor. - Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy slaw offers a refreshing contrast to smoky meats.
Whether you prefer traditional cabbage slaw or a more unique version with fruit
like apples or pineapple, coleslaw is the perfect BBQ side dish. - Cornbread: Soft, moist, and slightly sweet, cornbread is another essential BBQ
side. It can be served on the side or crumbled into a dish of chili for added
texture and flavor. - Baked Beans: A BBQ classic, baked beans are hearty and flavorful, often made
with bacon, brown sugar, and a touch of molasses. They’re an easy side that
goes well with just about anything you’re cooking up on the smoker. - Grilled Veggies: While BBQ is known for its meat, don’t forget to add some
grilled veggies to your spread. Grilled corn on the cob, peppers, and asparagus
are great options to balance out the richness of the meats.
Sauces and Seasonings Are Key
A great BBQ meal isn’t complete without the perfect sauce to complement the smoky
meats. Whether you like tangy, sweet, or spicy, having a variety of sauces on hand is
key to pleasing all the guests at your tailgate.
- Classic BBQ Sauce: A traditional smoky, sweet BBQ sauce is always a favorite,
especially when paired with pork or chicken. It’s easy to make at home with
ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices, or you can pick up a
bottle from your favorite local BBQ joint (look up “bbq in my area” for the best
local sauces). - Mustard-Based Sauce: If you’re cooking up some ribs or pulled pork, a tangy
mustard-based BBQ sauce might be just what you need. It’s particularly great
with rich cuts of meat like pork shoulder, as the acidity balances out the fat. - Spicy Sauce: For those who like a little heat, offer up a spicy BBQ sauce. You
can go as hot as you want—whether it’s a chipotle-based sauce or something
packed with habanero peppers. Just make sure you have a cooling side, like a
cold drink or some creamy coleslaw, to help with the heat! - Dry Rubs: If you’re not a fan of sauces, dry rubs can be a great way to enhance
the flavor of your meats. Whether it’s a simple combination of salt, pepper, and
garlic or a more complex blend with paprika, cumin, and brown sugar, dry rubs
can add incredible flavor without the need for sauce.
Make it Easy to Serve
No one wants to be fumbling with utensils or constantly running to the kitchen during a
tailgate. To keep the game day vibes fun and relaxed, make sure you have an easy way
to serve your BBQ.
- Pre-portioned Plates: Set up a station where guests can grab a plate and serve
themselves. Consider pre-portioning the meats and sides into easy-to-grab
portions. You can also set up a self-serve sauce station so everyone can
customize their BBQ to their liking. - Portable Grills: If you’re tailgating on the go, a portable grill is a must-have. You
can use it to finish off the cooking process or quickly sear sausages, burgers, or
veggies before serving. - Ice-Cold Drinks: It’s game day, so make sure you have plenty of cold beverages
on hand. A cooler stocked with ice-cold sodas, beer, and lemonade will keep
everyone refreshed while they enjoy the food and the game.
Don’t Forget the Sweets
Finish your tailgate feast with some simple yet delicious desserts. When it comes to
BBQ, classic southern sweets like pecan pie, peach cobbler, and banana pudding hit
the spot. Keep it easy by bringing store-bought pies or whipping up your own versions at
home.
- Peach Cobbler: Warm, sweet, and comforting, peach cobbler is the perfect way
to end a BBQ meal. Top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a crowdpleasing dessert. - Pecan Pie: If you want something rich and nutty, go for a classic pecan pie. The
crunchy pecans and sweet filling pair beautifully with the smoky flavors of BBQ. - Banana Pudding: A southern favorite, banana pudding is a cool and creamy
dessert that pairs perfectly with BBQ. It’s simple to make and can be served in
individual cups for easy serving.
Make it a Tailgate to Remember
The most important part of any tailgate isn’t the food (though that’s a close second!)—
it’s the memories you create with friends and family. Whether you’re throwing a casual
get-together or going all out, Dickey’s tips for game day eats will help ensure your BBQ
spread is the MVP of the day.
From finding the “best BBQ” in your area to perfecting your smoker technique, these
tips will set you up for BBQ greatness. So get ready, fire up the grill, and make your next
tailgate an unforgettable event full of great food, great company, and plenty of team
spirit!
