8 All-Star Tailgate Recipes

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,–– When football season starts, tailgating is a must. Getting your family and friends together to enjoy a fun day as a group is a wonderful way to make memories before the big game. The best part about tailgating, though, is definitely the food! These 8 all-star tailgate recipes are sure to be a hit no matter where you tailgate or what team you root for. Read on to discover recipes for breakfast, appetizers, entrees, and even desserts! You won't want to miss out on any of these must-try dishes this tailgate season.

Bacon Pancake Dippers

Heading to the tailgate early this year? Get your pre-game festivities started with bacon pancake dippers! What beats bacon and pancakes for breakfast? Nothing! All you have to do in order to enjoy this recipe is cook a strip of bacon in your pancake batter for an unbeatable combination this tailgate season. Dip this crunchy and savory combination in maple syrup for a great breakfast starter to kick off your tailgate fun! 

Chicken & Waffle Sliders

For those of us who prefer Southern cooking, these chicken and waffle sliders are sure to satisfy your appetite before the game! Serve these up with some maple syrup for added flavor. Also, if you're in a hurry, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare before heading out to your tailgate.

Garlic Parmesan Pretzels

These garlic parmesan pretzels are a real crowd pleaser! This recipe is quick, easy, and goes with just about any other tailgate food you bring, too! If you serve this tasty treat with warm cheese dip, you'll officially be the MVP of the tailgate!

Sweet and Spicy Sausage

There's something about slow cooked sausage that just can't be beaten! This sweet and spicy sausage recipe is the perfect blend of savory, smoky, and hot flavors. It's sure to be a hit no matter who you root for at the game!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders

Are you a fan of cheese? We are too! These chicken cordon bleu sliders are sure to satisfy your cheesy cravings before the big game. This warm, melty combination of chicken, ham, mustard, and swiss cheese is the perfect way to fill up while you wait for the game to start. Plus, they only take a few minutes to cook! Make these sliders a new tradition at your tailgate this season.

Mini Bacon & Ranch Cheese Balls

Finger foods are popular at every tailgate. So, bring the heat this year with mini bacon and ranch cheese balls! This easy and fun combo-snack only takes about 10 minutes to make and is a delicious game day delight for any fan of bacon! 

Buffalo Chicken Tortilla Roll-Ups

After one bite of these buffalo chicken tortilla roll-ups, you'll be hooked! This delectably delicious dish simply can't be beat during any tailgate festivities, no matter how you slice it. Plus, if you aren't a fan of buffalo sauce, you can substitute it with your favorite barbecue sauce as a great tasting alternative! 

Apple Fritter Monkey Bread

Spoil your tailgaters this year with apple fritter monkey bread. Every bite of this deliciously gooey dessert is packed with sweet and sugary apple flavor. Make sure to save some for yourself, because everyone at the tailgate is going to want a piece of this all-star dessert!

Get fired up for the football season this year with these 8 all-star tailgate recipes! From tasty treats to fantastic finger foods, tailgating foods are the MVP of snacking. Make the most of your tailgate season this year by enjoying some must-try tailgating activities. If you're planning on tailgating with your vehicle this season, schedule a check-up with us to ensure that it's ready to take on tailgating. Need routine maintenance performed on your vehicle? Don't forget to check out our coupons to save big on service next time you stop by our Service Center!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

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CMU Tailgating Tips and Activities

MT. PLEASANT, Mich.,–– Fire Up Chips! The Central Michigan Chippewas made sure to start the season with the nail-biting action they're known for. Whether you're heading out to the next home game or you're planning on enjoying a game later in the season, these CMU tailgating tips and activities will make your tailgating experience unforgettable. From fun tailgating activities to packing and grilling tips, you'll be able to experience everything Kelly/Shorts Stadium has to offer this season!

Pack the Essentials

Tailgating with a group? We've put together a list of the items you'll need for your tailgate.

• Grill, spatula, tongs, matches, lighter
• Charcoal
• Trash bags
• Paper towels
• Plates & plastic silverware
• Rain ponchos (just in case!)
• Jumper cables
• Wet wipes
• Cutting board
• Canopy tent
• Foldable lawn chairs
• Cooler
• Frozen water bottles (helps to keep your food cold in the cooler)
• First aid kit

Pack Your Cooler

Next, you'll want to make sure you pack your cooler in the most efficient way possible! Use the handy image above to create room for everything you need, from food to beverages. Throw a few frozen water bottles in your cooler to slow the ice from melting and make sure you pack it as tight as you can so that warm air can't seep in!

Bring Tailgate Games

Heading to the tailgate with friends or family? Bring along some favorite tailgate games to occupy the time until the Chips take the field. Cornhole is a great tailgate classic that's easy to learn and even easier to set up. If you don't know the rules, follow this step-by-step guide for quick and simple instructions. Other games, like lawn golf, Kan Jam, and even a simple game of catch are tailgate games that everyone will enjoy!

Enjoy Free Giveaways

Every year, the CMU football team and local businesses hold promotions and giveaways at tailgates before the game. You can grab free hot dogs from Dog Central's tent and check out some of the freebies that local businesses hand out to tailgaters. Keep an eye on the football schedule for t-shirt and merchandise giveaways. Businesses have also been known to give away sunglasses, sweatshirts, and many other items.

Beat Traffic by Cooking After the Game

After the game is all said and done, you can avoid sitting in traffic by relaxing and cooking up whatever you have left on the grill! It'll save you time and keep everyone full.

Be Safe and Have Fun

Most importantly, make sure that you and your fellow tailgaters have a safe and fun time! Read up on the CMU Tailgating Policy before you head out to the game to make sure you don't break any rules. If you need a tailgating pass or a sound permit, make sure you fill out the applications for them,. Contact the CMU Police if you have any questions on rules or ordinances put out for specific tailgates. If you follow the rules and cooperate with the police, you're bound to have a great time at Kelly/Shorts Stadium!

Tailgating season is the one of the best at Central Michigan University. With the weather cooling down and the leaves turning that maroon and gold color, the campus and football stadium come to life in the fall. Using our CMU tailgating tips and activities, you'll be sure to enjoy a fun, safe, and unbeatable time at Kelly/Shorts Stadium this year. Make sure your vehicle is ready to take on the tailgating season by scheduling a check-up. You don't want your vehicle breaking down before or after the game! If you need any routine maintenance or repairs performed on your vehicle, browse our coupons to obtain discounts on oil changes, brake pads, and more. Enjoy the game and Fire Up Chips!

At Hank Graff Mt. Pleasant we strive to provide our customers with a car buying experience that is accommodating, stress-free and fun! Visit us at our Chevrolet dealership located at 4580 E Pickard Rd in Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858 or our Buick GMC Cadillac dealership located at 116 N. Mission St in Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.

Websites: Chevrolet: HankGraffMtPleasant.com and Buick GMC Cadillac: GraffBGC.com

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube