Best Tailgate Food and BBQ Recipes for Longhorn Fans

As an Austin-based Longhorns fanatic, I know the true heart of any great gameday experience happens in the parking lot, not just the stands. Whether you're gearing up for a big UT football match at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium or just hosting a backyard bash, the food and drinks are what really make the tailgating magic happen.

That's why I'm sharing some of my favorite tailgate-ready BBQ recipes and gameday snack ideas, guaranteed to fuel up even the hungriest Longhorn faithful. Let's dive in!

Longhorn-Approved BBQ Classics

No Texas tailgate is complete without some stellar 'cue, and in Austin, we take our BBQ seriously. For the ultimate crowd-pleasing spread, you can't go wrong with these Longhorn-approved classics:

Smoked Brisket: The king of Texas barbecue. Season generously with salt and pepper, then low and slow smoke it to perfection. Pair with pickles, onions, and soft sandwich buns.
Spicy Sausage Skewers: Grill up some juicy, flavorful sausage links and thread them onto skewers for easy tailgating. Serve with plenty of napkins!
Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs: Slather on your favorite BBQ sauce and let those pork ribs slow cook until the meat is practically melting off the bone.
Pulled Pork Sliders: Slow-cooked pork shoulder shredded and piled high on sweet Hawaiian rolls. Top with crunchy slaw for the perfect bite.

For sides, you can't go wrong with classic Texas potato salad, elote-style street corn, or loaded baked beans. And don't forget the big ol' pile of white bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Gameday Snack Ideas

Of course, no tailgate is complete without some finger-lickin' good snacks to fuel your Longhorn spirit. Here are some of my go-to gameday nibbles:

Queso Dip with homemade tortilla chips
Texas caviar (black-eyed pea salsa)
Spicy deviled eggs
Bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers
Cowboy caviar (black bean & corn salsa)
Frito pie with chili, cheese, and all the toppings

For beverages, you'll want to keep the Shiner Bock, Deep Eddy Vodka, and Tito's Handmade Vodka flowing freely. And don't forget the Gatorade to keep everyone hydrated under the Texas sun.

Hosting the Ultimate Tailgate

Looking to really wow your fellow Longhorns? Elevate your tailgating game with these insider tips:

Rent a Longhorn Charter Bus to shuttle your whole crew to the stadium in style.
Book a premium tailgate package from Party On Delivery - they'll handle the food, drinks, and all the logistics so you can focus on having fun.
Set up your tailgate spot early and claim a prime location near the stadium entrances.
Bring along a portable grill, coolers, and plenty of seating for all your guests.
Deck out your space in Longhorns gear and hook up a portable speaker for some gameday tunes.
Designate a "bartender" to keep the drinks flowing and make sure everyone stays hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the best time to start prepping for a tailgate?

A: For the ultimate tailgate experience, I recommend starting your prep at least 2-3 hours before kickoff. This gives you plenty of time to get the smoker going, set up your space, and have everything ready when your guests arrive. You can even do some of the prep work the night before, like seasoning the meat or making dips and salsas.

Q: How much food should I plan for?

A: As a general rule of thumb, plan for about 1-2 pounds of meat per person, plus plenty of side dishes, snacks, and beverages. It's always better to have a little extra than to run out! I'd suggest getting a head count from your crew and then adding a buffer of 10-20% just to be safe.

Q: Can I order tailgate catering in Austin?

A: Absolutely! Party On Delivery offers premium tailgate catering packages perfect for UT football games. They'll handle all the food, drinks, and logistical details so you can focus on enjoying the game with your fellow Longhorns. Their packages include options like smoked meats, sides, snacks, and even fully-stocked coolers for your tailgate.

Ready to elevate your tailgating? Explore our tailgate party packages, cooler delivery, and premium beverage service for UT football tailgates in Austin and let Party On Delivery handle the details. Hook 'em!

This article is part of our comprehensive The Ultimate Guide to UT Football Tailgating in Austin. Explore the full guide for more tips and resources.

Best Tailgate Food and BBQ Recipes for Longhorn Fans