What’s the best way to upgrade the big game? With an epic tailgate filled with your favorite people, loads of snacks, and enough team spirit to trigger a big win! For an experience you’ll want to recreate again and again, a game plan is essential. And collecting incredible tailgate food ideas is the best place to start.

Though you may consider RiceSelect® Grains ideal for dinners eaten at home, they can also be used in unexpected ways to create delicious snacks that are easy to make, take and share!

Ready to elevate your next tailgate? Leave the store-bought nibbles at the market, in favor of homemade dishes packed with flavor.

From crunchy tidbits to goodies that will satisfy a sweet tooth, there’s a RiceSelect® recipe for every craving. Salty or sugary, each one is simple to whip up, undeniably tempting, and is just the thing to energize the crew before the action gets underway.

Tailgate Appetizers 

If you generally plan your tailgate around bags of chips and plates of junk food, it’s time for some serious changes! Lean into the energy of the day, with flavorful dishes packed with premium ingredients.

Quinoa Meatball Sliders  

Burgers are MVPs among tailgate snacks. So, give the people what they want with this unique take! Sliders that marry seasoned ground beef with RiceSelect® Tri-Color Quinoa, these will satisfy even the biggest of appetites. For best results, cook the patties at home, then transport the individual components to the tailgate and assemble the sliders on-site.

Sausage Sage Arancini 

Packed with sausage, walnuts and blue cheese, these super-savory bite-sized snacks will have everyone reaching for seconds. Made with rich and cheesy RiceSelect® Arborio Rice, these morsels are a creamy, elegant alternative that can satisfy a crowd.

Crab Cake Arancini

Looking for tailgate snacks that are golden and crisp, savory and easy to pop in your mouth? Try this finger-food version of seafood risotto! With delicate crab-flavored rice and zippy tartar sauce, for dipping, these are so good that you might want to double the recipe.

Crispy Rice Spicy Salmon

Simple to whip up and sure to impress, this dish of crisp RiceSelect® Sushi Rice and zingy fresh salmon is a win-win! To transport these tasty snacks, keep the salmon in a cooler and the crispy rice crackers in a separate container. Simply spoon the salmon mixture onto the rice once the party gets started.

Vegan Crispy Kimchi Rice Fritters

Tailgate foods aren’t all loaded with meat, cheese, butter, and sour cream. Case in point? These zesty fritters, made entirely with plant-based ingredients.

A genius way to turn RiceSelect® Jasmine Rice into a game-day must-have, these fritters deliver bold flavor, irresistible texture, plus an appropriate dash of decadence, all in one convenient package.

Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice

Inspired by a restaurant fave, these golden RiceSelect® Sushi Rice morsels are equal parts naughty and nice. Prep all of the components for this dish ahead of time, then simply assemble when you’re at the game. Though the garnishes are optional, for the complete experience, we recommend adding each and every one.

Cheese and Jalapeño Quinoa Cakes

Turn these scrumptious RiceSelect® White Quinoa cakes into one-bite appetizers, and you’ll have enough for the whole team to enjoy. A no-fuss blend of quinoa, cheese, green onions, jalapeño and seasonings, these simple snacks pack a big punch.

Shrimp Finger Sushi

Never brought sushi to a tailgate? Try it this season, and it might just become mandatory at every game!

Despite its outward sophistication, this appetizer is simple to prepare—in just 35 minutes. Keep these cool until you’re ready to watch them disappear.

Tailgate Desserts  

There’s more to life than savory snacks! Offer some sweet treats alongside a parade of salty bites, and ensure your tailgate is the greatest of all time.

Japanese Style Sweet Rice Balls

So easy to pop in your mouth that they won’t last long, these chewy, nutty Japanese goodies are a unique offering sure to attract plenty of admirers. Though these take a little more time to assemble than other treats, they’re a make-ahead, portable option your friends will be thrilled to discover on your dessert spread.

Cinnamon Crunch Cookies 

Grab the RiceSelect® Texmati White Rice for these soft and crumbly cookies. Filled with almonds, toasted rice, sesame seeds, sugar and spice, they’re the type of comforting, nostalgic treat that satisfies in ways others never can.

Butterscotch Rice Pudding 

Rice pudding at a tailgate? Absolutely! Portioned into individual jars, this ultra-creamy rendition is the stuff al fresco dining dreams are made of. Aromatic RiceSelect® Jasmine Rice, heaps of brown sugar and a generous dose of vanilla give this dessert old-fashioned charm, while torched meringue keeps things classy.

Carrot Quinoa Cupcakes

Devote 20 minutes to this recipe, and delight in classic, warmly-spiced carrot cupcakes capped with sweetened frosting swirls. Thanks to the addition of RiceSelect® Tri-Color Quinoa and Greek yogurt, these have a nuttier flavor and fluffier texture than your average batch.

Tips to Prepare Your Tailgate Snacks 

Like picnicking or camping, tailgating is for those who love planning, relish good company, crave great snacks—and aren’t afraid of Mother Nature! Prep for a great event, come rain or shine, with these helpful tips.

  • Arrive early to allow plenty of time to set up and to reheat dishes that you plan to serve hot. Be sure to pack essentials (such as tin foil, paper towels, utensils, plates, garbage bags, etc.) and to have them handy at all times.
  • The best tailgate menus are stress-free and brimming with delicious bites. Prepare as many items as you can at home, so that you’re not fussing on-site. Plan for an array of snacks that can be eaten at room temperature and only one or two that need to be reheated.
  • When the forecast calls for cool tailgating temps, plan your menu around one hearty, comforting dish, such as soup or chili. Fill thermoses with hot drinks and pack extra blankets. On hot days, ensure you have cold drinks, insulated coolers and plenty of ice on hand for keeping cold foods frosty. Pack sunscreen and extra hats or umbrellas so that there’s enough shade to go around!
  • A crockpot can ensure that hot dishes are served at the proper temperature. When you don’t have access to electricity, use a camp stove, portable grill or a non-electric portable slow cooker for reheating food.
  • For dishes that should be served warm, not hot, you can invest in an insulated container or an electric casserole carrier.
  • Before you set out, think through every dish and beverage and make sure you have the utensils you need to prep and serve them, such as skewers, spoons, bottle openers, tongs, trays, etc.