10 Make-Ahead Tailgate Recipes For Concerts In Western New York

Summer concert season in Buffalo is in full swing, so it’s time to get ready for one of the best parts of the show - the pre-concert tailgate. 

Got your group of good friends? Check.

A stereo to blast tunes before the real thing? Check. 

A cooler filled with ice-cold drinks? Check. 

Snacks to stuff your face with? Check. 

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Finding the right food for a tailgate can be tricky, though. You want to feast on food that is portable, easy to assemble, and not messy - but still yummy. The recipes below fit the bill - and the best part, you can make all of these ahead of time, leaving you more time to kick butt at beer pong.

Whether you’re trekking down the thruway to CMAC, hopping over to Darien Lake, or parking it at ArtPark, here are some easy, make-ahead recipes to have in your back pocket to up your concert tailgate game.

Cowboy Caviar

I’ll be honest - the name of this recipe is what hooked me first. But then I saw how ridiculously easy this dip/salsa combo was to make (dump in a bowl, mix, done), making a tailgate no-brainer. Just don’t forget the chips! See how simple this is to make here. 

Smokey Snack Mix

For when you just need a handful of something classic and crunchy. Mix it up here. 

Bisquick Sausage Balls

Portable & poppable sausage and cheese…do I really need to say more? Get the recipe here. 

Bacon Jalapeno Poppers

I don’t care how hot it is outside  - I’ll never turn down something spicy that’ll make me sweat. Crank up the heat here. 

Antipasto Kebabs

On the flip side, sometimes all you need for a hot tailgate are some cold cuts (and more cheese, obviously). Find out how to piece it together here. 

Taco Lasagna

Lasagna? At a tailgate? Sounds weird, but when you add tortilla chips and your favorite taco fillings, lasagna becomes tailgate-approved. See what I mean here.

Slow Cooker Meatballs

A slow cooker is a make-ahead tailgate’s BFF. The secret ingredient that makes these meatballs so mouth-watering? Grape jelly. Seriously, don’t knock it ‘til you try it here. 

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Any excuse to dump in Frank’s RedHot, amirite? These slices will go fast at your tailgate. Check out the recipe here. 

Spiced Whiskey Sour

Whiskey and country shows are a combo as old as time. Mix up a jug of this for you and your (of-age) friends here. 

S’mores Bars

Don’t forget dessert! Smores are a summer-night staple, and these portable versions will make you the most popular tailgate in the parking lot. Bake up these easy treats here.