With college football back in full swing, parents, family and friends are coming together in order to put on the BEST possible tailgate. Auburn University is known for its white tents surrounding the stadium filled with Tigers coming together to enjoy quality time with their loved ones and of course an Auburn win. But what really makes a family’s white tent the best tent? The FOOD!
Below is a list of the top 10 tailgate foods (with some honorable mentions of course) to make your next white tent the one that everyone wants to be at. Maybe grab a snack before diving in because I promise your mouth will be watering after reading this list.
10. Burgers/Sliders
Ringing in at #10 are burgers and sliders. This is a classic that had to be slipped into the list of tailgate foods. They’re easy to make and absolutely delish if catered. They allow guests to add on their own toppings, thus making everyone happy. I mean can you even name one time you weren’t happy to see a burger at a cookout?
9. Cookies
You may be shocked to see a sweet treat, but not everyone can go without having something sweet along with their salty choice! Cookies are the perfect option for my sweet tooth’s out there because if you don’t want to spend time making them from scratch, there are so many options for catering in Auburn. Whether that’s Insomnia Cookies, Crumbl Cookies or even Great American Cookies.
8. Game Day Cake
If you walk to any white tent at Auburn, you are bound to be greeted with a slide of cake. Usually decorated in orange and blue in support of the Auburn Tigers, saying something along the lines of “War Eagle!” This is an absolute must-have if you want to stay in the competition. Home-made will definitely give you some extra points, but it’s game day, and sometimes we just don’t have the time for that! You can head to your local Publix and check out their plethora of cake options perfect for your tent.
7. Pretzel Bites
The new Auntie Anne’s under 320 West Mag will really come in handy for this one! Pretzel bites can be sweet or salty with many options of dipping sauces. This easy snack will be an automatic crowd-pleaser as they’re not messy and the perfect finger food. Set up a platter, throw in your dipping sauces with some toothpicks and you’re set! If you really want to make things difficult, you’re more than welcome to check out the recipe here.
6. 7 Layer Dip
This won’t be the first dip you see featured on this list, but it is one of the best. It may have not made the top 5 tailgate foods, but it has a different flavor for everyone. With its layers of salsa, guacamole, refried beans, cheddar cheese and endless toppings, it’s the perfect colorful addition to your tailgate. Make it yourself or buy it from the local Publix. Serve it with chips or veggies for the best crunch and you’re set!
5. Boneless Wings
We’ve finally reached the top 5…is your mouth watering yet? Boneless wings are an absolute must-have, and yes I mean without the bone. Bone-in wings can be too messy for your guests and boneless are the perfect alternative. Lucky for you there are many wing places around Auburn including a Buffalo Wild Wings in Tiger Town. But, if you’re feeling adventurous here’s a recipe for homemade wings!
4. Pulled Pork
You can’t NOT have pulled pork at your tailgate, I mean we’re in the South! The South, especially Alabama is known for its BBQ. A pulled pork sandwich is a great pick because not only can it be made beforehand, but your guests will absolutely devour it. If you’re not in the mood to make your own, Publix is always an option (I promise this isn’t a Publix advertisement).
3. Pigs in a Blanket
I’m not done being an Auntie Anne’s advocate just yet. Pigs in a blanket are just as good as the pretzel bites, plus a little extra protein to get your guests through the day! They’re super easy and can be popped in the oven within minutes before game time if you don’t feel like spending the extra money on catering. They’re soft, savory, warm and definitely what your guests will be craving walking into your tailgate.
2. Mac and Cheese
This ooey, gooey, cheesy goodness can’t not make a guest appearance and your next white tent. There’s a reason this dish has been around since the 14th century and it’s not going anywhere. Homemade is usually what gets the most attention, but you’ll never be judged if you cater from none other than Chick-fil-A.
1. Buffalo Chicken Dip
This #1 pick should not come as a surprise to you. You’re truly missing out yourself if you’ve never had buffalo chicken dip at a tailgate. It truly is the ultimate game day snack and it can be served with any type of chip or vegetable. I promise your guests will be walking into your tent in hopes that you made this dip. We can’t forget that sometimes we’re on a crunch and this dip is made to be warmed and served at Publix too!
I couldn’t forget to fill you in on our honorable mentions. Brownies can be an alternative to cookies if you’re more of a chocolate person yourself and with being in the South some people want to see some fried chicken on their plates. Lastly, I know I said before that they’re messy, but some people truly prefer bone-in wings, and we can’t be the ones who ruin their game day!
Now you’re officially prepared for your next Auburn white tent tailgate. My teaching is done and I hope that you take my advice and be the foodie I know you can be! Auburn’s next home game is September 16th against Samford and you and your family will nevertheless have the BEST white tent with these tailgate foods.
Let me know what your #1 pick would’ve been down below. I’d love to hear your opinions! Don’t forget to send me pictures of your white tents to be featured on the blog!