Create a Crowd-Pleasing Tailgate with tips from Our Grill Masters

The tradition of tailgating and cooking on a Weber grill was born from the passion and hard work of our founder, George Stephen. In the Company's early days, George set up his charcoal kettle in the parking lot at Chicago Bears games, grilling mouthwatering food to showcase his new invention while celebrating his love of football and the Bears. His love of food, football, family, and friends ignited a tradition that has been part of our DNA ever since.

With tailgating and football in full swing, Weber Head Grill Master Dustin Green shares his four best tips for creating a crowd-pleasing menu-no matter which team you're rooting for at your tailgate.

1. Plan Your Menu. According to Green, the key to a great tailgate is all in the planning. "I like to plan for three or four dishes and do most of my prep the day before," Green advises. This way, you can spend more time enjoying the game and less time worrying about food.
   For the morning, try breakfast burritos or pancakes and sausage wraps. For lunch or dinner, try wings, kabobs, or nachos. Green recommends prepping the night before so all you have to do is throw the items on the grill before festivities begin. See below for some of Green's favorite recipes.
2. Build a tailgate toolbox. Green organizes his tailgate essentials in a toolbox, including tongs, brushes, scissors, spices, and salt and pepper. He also includes a lighter, matches, and first aid items, just to be safe. He uses a plastic bin to store utensils and supplies such as plastic wrap, foil, serving dishes, paper towels, and napkins. Skewers work great for less packing and easy-to-eat foods.
3. Create a condiment caddy. You can use a Weber Works Caddy or an empty six-pack bottle case to carry and store condiments. Enhance your grilled dishes by offering a variety of sauces, dressings, relishes, mustards, and ketchups. This personal touch can make your tailgate experience memorable for your guests.
4. Clean the scene. Before packing up, ensure the grill is off (if gas, griddle, pellet, or electric), flames are extinguished, and fuel is cool. For charcoal, make sure the coals are extinguished and disposed of properly. (Typically, facilities that allow charcoal supply metal barrels for waste.) Bring degreaser, towels, sanitizer, and garbage bags to make cleanup quick and efficient.

Classic Pulled Pork cooked on the Weber Searwood wood pellet grill, gives the pork a rich smoky flavor and a crispy bark that everyone loves. You can prep this delicious pulled pork the day before, so it's game-day ready when you are! It's a surefire way to satisfy your tailgate crowd.

Cheesy Nachos topped with savory pulled pork, cooked on a portable grill like the Weber Traveler, are a tailgate game-changer. The best part? Guests can build their own custom nacho creations and heat them on the grill for that irresistible, melty goodness. It's an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that lets everyone get creative!

Sweet & Spicy Chicken Wingscooked either the night before or onsite at the tailgate on a portable grill such as the Weber Traveler. The perfect balance of flavors in this dish makes these wings a delicious and versatile option that's sure to impress your guests.

Warm Artichoke Dipserved in a skillet can be prepared the day before and warmed up at the tailgate on the grill. Pair it with warm, freshly sliced bread toasted on the grill for a yummy, savory snack.

Check out this video of Head Grill Master Dustin Green sharing his Season Kick-Off Tailgating Tips.