Tips for a Tailgate

Pack your cooler and portable grill and savor an all-American tradition: the tailgate party! Enjoy easy-to-prepare foods for a satisfying pregame meal — think sandwiches, hamburgers or hotdogs. On the side, serve slaws or salads that are ideal for making ahead, such as those featuring pasta, grains or beans. And don’t forget dessert! Cookies, brownies or s’mores make perfect hand-held treats. Try our sample menu, and keep these tips in mind to ensure your tailgate is a perfect one!

Pack your coolers: Make sure meats and perishable side dishes are well packed in ice-filled coolers. Keep raw meats and vegetables that will be cooked later in one cooler and prepared salads and other foods in another one. If you only have one cooler, place raw meats in the bottom and store foods that don’t need any cooking on top, carefully sealed to protect against contamination.

Transport your grill: A small portable grill will usually do the job, although if you plan to feed a crowd, go ahead and pack up your big kettle grill.

Pick your spot: Most people tailgate outside of sports arenas in the parking lots. You can tailgate anywhere, but be careful to set your grill only on a nonflammable surface, away from heavy traffic areas.

Be fire safe: Never leave a hot grill unattended. Before you put your grill back into the car, make sure you have safely put out the fire and that the grill has cooled.