“Tailgating at Home” Menu Plan
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With the help of our “Tailgating at Home” Menu Plan and Hy-Vee, you can still enjoy your favorite team’s game, swag, and all the best tailgating food at home this year!
This post is created in partnership with Hy-Vee (Columbia).
Even though most of us won’t be watching our team in person right now, there’s no reason to wave the white flag when it comes to tailgating. We’ve come up with the perfect “game plan” for tailgating at home this season.
Our menu plan is all about options! We will show you how to either:
a) make all the best game food yourself, OR
b) select shortcuts to pick up at Hy-Vee instead.
You can DIY each dish OR take our shortcut tips to the perfect “Tailgating at Home” Menu. Now let’s get cooking! (Or not.) You choose!
“Tailgating at Home” Menu Plan
MAIN DISH: BBQ SHREDDED PORK SANDWICHES
BBQ sandwiches work so well for feeding a crowd. They please all ages, are a budget-friendly choice, and the meat can stay warm in a slow cooker for hours.
Make It Yourself: Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork
Try our slow cooker recipe or our Instant Pot version. You can even make it ahead and freeze until game day, using our instructions.
Hy-Vee Shortcut: Pick up BBQ Pulled Pork
Did you know you can either pick up 2-4 servings of pulled pork in the deli area or call in a larger order for BBQ Pulled Pork at your local Hy-Vee? I’ve done this many times over the years, and it’s delicious and very affordable for a group.
For a larger order, ask to speak to catering, and tell them how many servings you’d like and when you want to pick it up. They will have it hot and ready for you. Be sure to grab some buns and your favorite BBQ sauce while you’re in store, too.
SIDE DISH #1: GUACAMOLE AND TORTILLA CHIPS
No tailgate is complete without an array of chips and dips, amiright? Our go-tos are guacamole and salsa, but Hy-Vee offers SO many options.
Make It Yourself: Guacamole for the Masses
We’ve been making this recipe for crowds for years. Make it the day of the game, cover the surface with plastic wrap to keep from browning, and enjoy with some Hy-Vee Tortilla Chips. Yum!
Hy-Vee Shortcut: Pick up fresh-made guacamole and dips in the deli.
Hy-Vee has more freshly prepared dips than you can throw a stick at in their refrigerated section near the deli. Take a peek at all the choices, from pico de gallo to guac to salsa to creamy dips…
SIDE DISH #2: VEGGIE TRAY WITH DIP
An obligatory veggie tray has to show up to make us feel ok about all the other fun tailgate foods. Lol! The dips can make a colorful veggie platter darn tasty, though.
Make It Yourself: Creamy Southwest Ranch Dip with Veggie Sticks
Impress your family or guests with this simple yet flavorful homemade ranch dip. Pair it with carrot and celery sticks, broccoli and cauliflower florets, and multi-colored bell pepper strips.
Hy-Vee Shortcut: Pre-Made Veggie Tray
The produce/deli section also features pre-made veggie trays of various sizes, as well as, beautiful fruit trays. Serve with your favorite Hy-Vee dip.
SIDE DISH #3: HOMEMADE CHEX MIX
Oh yeah, going old school on this. Who doesn’t love to grab a handful of Chex Mix on game day?
Make It Yourself: Homemade Chex Mix
Polly’s family has been making this recipe for family gatherings for years. Yum!
Hy-Vee Shortcut: Grab Homemade Chex Mix in the bakery.
Toss this game day snack in the cart to save a little time in the kitchen.
DESSERT #1: PUPPY CHOW
Why isn’t this called Puppy Crack? This stuff is totally addictive and great to serve to groups.
Make It Yourself: Puppy Chow
Involve your kids in making this recipe. It’s so fun!
Hy-Vee Shortcut: Pick up People Chow in the bakery.
This tub won’t last long at your tailgate. Promise.
DESSERT #2: COOKIES
Cookies make for another great grab-and-sit dessert.
Make It Yourself: Monster Cookies
No one, and I mean no one, can resist this cookie. Try at your own risk.
Hy-Vee Shortcut: Pick up bakery fresh cookies.
These are some of the BEST cookies from a store I’ve ever had. They have been a staple at my uncle’s Mizzou tailgate for many years.
Game Day Gear
Not only can you get all the groceries and shortcuts you need at Hy-Vee, but our fellow Mizzou and Chiefs fans can stock up on all your game day decor and attire, too!
I had so much fun perusing their huge selection last week. Seriously, everything you need for a great tailgate in ONE STOP.
You can stock up on ingredients for your tailgate at home using Hy-Vee’s Aisles Online.
Or, stop in to any of local Columbia Hy-Vee locations to see meet all your tailgating at home needs this season!
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