Tailgating season is in full swing, and families and friends are looking for tasty, easy‑to‑prepare meals that keep energy high from kickoff to the final whistle. Below are three winning recipes that combine lean protein, complex carbs and bold flavor, perfect for any game‑day spread.
Grilled Chicken Kebabs
These sweet‑smoky kebabs can be marinated up to eight hours ahead, so you only need to fire up the grill when the crowd arrives. The lean chicken provides protein while the colorful vegetables add vitamins and fiber.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Marinating time: 1 hour (up to 8 hours)
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
Marinade: 1/4 cup extra‑virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/8 cup soy sauce, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp minced garlic, salt and pepper to taste.
Kebabs: 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut 1‑inch), 1 red bell pepper, 1 orange bell pepper, 1 small zucchini, 1 small yellow squash, 1 red onion (all cut 1‑inch), 4 wooden skewers, 1 tbsp chopped parsley.
Whisk the marinade ingredients, toss the chicken and vegetables in the mixture, cover and refrigerate. Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes, thread the ingredients, and grill medium‑high 5‑7 minutes per side until cooked through. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Steakhouse Hasselback Potatoes
This side dish offers complex carbohydrates and a boost of vitamins and minerals. Wisconsin Russet potatoes are sliced thin, brushed with olive oil and salt, then baked until crisp outside and fluffy inside.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 90 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients: 4 Russet potatoes, 4 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2.2 lb yellow onions (thinly sliced), 1/4 cup cognac or brandy (optional), 1 cup shredded cheddar‑jack cheese, 12 oz hickory‑smoked bacon (cut 2‑inch pieces), 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp fresh chives.
Slice each potato about 1/4 inch apart, brush with oil, season, and bake at 400 °F for 90 minutes. Meanwhile, caramelize the onions in butter, deglaze with cognac if desired. Top potatoes with cheese, bacon, then return to oven briefly to melt cheese. Garnish with caramelized onions, sour cream and chives.
Simple Salami Sliders
These bite‑size sliders are quick to assemble and perfect for passing around the tailgate. Soft buns, Swiss cheese, salami and ham are baked in a buttery, slightly sweet sauce.
- Servings: 4‑6
Ingredients: slider buns, 8 slices Swiss cheese, 8 slices salami, 8 slices ham, 1 stick melted butter, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, optional everything‑bagel seasoning.
Layer cheese, salami and ham on the bottom halves of the buns, top with the other halves, pour sauce over, cover with foil and bake at 350 °F for 15 minutes. Remove foil, add seasoning if desired, and bake uncovered 10 more minutes.
These three recipes provide a balanced mix of protein, carbs and flavor, ensuring your tailgate stays lively and satisfying from the first play to the final celebration.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
