24 Tailgate Snacks Made with Beer

Updated on Jan. 05, 2022

Have your beer and eat it, too, with cheesy dips, snappy brats, cozy breads and more tailgate food made with football's favorite beverage.

1/24

Slow-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Beer Dip

Total Time 3 hours 15 min
Servings 4-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize in our office party recipe contest. Other beers can work for this, but be sure to steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 213 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
2/24

Taylor's Jalapeno Poppers

Total Time 40 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you own a barbecue joint like I do, you pretty much dream about barbecue in your sleep. Jalapeno poppers are also one of my favorite appetizers, and this recipe is a great way to combine those foods. They’re very popular on the menu at my restaurant. Try your own variation by stuffing the peppers with cooked chicken or beef. —Taylor Hicks, Birmingham, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 209 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 870mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
3/24

Beer Pretzels

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 8 pretzels
From the Recipe Creator: I'm always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors, and what goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one delicious recipe. —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 pretzel: 288 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
4/24

Spicy Touchdown Chili

Total Time 4 hours 30 min
Servings 12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: For me, football, cool weather and chili just seem to go together. Whether I’m cheering on the local team on a Friday night or enjoying a Saturday afternoon of Oklahoma Sooner football with some friends, I enjoy serving this chili on game day. —Chris Neal, Quapaw, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 365 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 901mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 22g protein.
5/24

Beer and Brats Nachos

Total Time 30 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Head to the Midwest for the big game with a platter of these crunchy snacks enlivened with a beer-laced cheese sauce. —Kelly Boe, Whiteland, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 348 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
6/24

Spicy Shredded Beef Sandwiches

Total Time 8 hours 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: If you like your shredded beef with a little kick, then this recipe is for you. For an even zestier version of this recipe, add another jar of jalapenos or use hot peppers instead of the pepperocinis. —Kristen Langmeier, Faribault, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 534 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 1187mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
7/24

Swiss Beer Bread

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 1 loaf (12 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is a favorite of my family because it isn't greasy like most of the other cheese breads I have tried. It will not last long! —Debi Wallace, Chestertown, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 182 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
8/24

Beer Dip

Total Time 5 min
Servings 3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Ranch dressing mix flavors this easy dip packed with shredded cheese. It's perfect paired with pretzels. Be forewarned, though—it's hard to stop eating once you've started! The beer cheese dip can be made with any type of beer, including nonalcoholic. I've taken it to many parties and I am always asked for the recipe. —Michelle Long, New Castle, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 93 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
9/24

Slow-Cooked Reuben Brats

Total Time 7 hours 45 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Sauerkraut gives these beer-simmered brats a big flavor boost, but it’s the special chili sauce and melted cheese that put them over the top. Top your favorite burger with some of the chili sauce; you won't be sorry. —Alana Simmons, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 733 calories, 50g fat (16g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 1643mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
10/24

Beer and Pretzel Caramels

Total Time 1 hour 50 min
Servings about 3 pounds (81 servings)
From the Recipe Creator: Beer and pretzels are a natural combination—mix them with smooth caramel and you have an awesome candy. The guys will go wild over these crunchy, chunky chews. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 90 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 91mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
11/24

Deep-Fried Cheese Bites

Total Time 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These beer-battered cheese curds are the ultimate in delicious comfort food. Some folks like to serve them with ranch dressing, ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 257 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
12/24

Beer-Cheese Appetizers

Total Time 30 min
Servings 80 appetizers (1-3/4 cups sauce)
From the Recipe Creator: Featuring kitchen staples like salsa, refried beans, sour cream and two types of cheese, this crowd-pleasing appetizer comes together faster than a two-minute drill. —Kristy Wilshire, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 triangle with 1 teaspoon sauce : 31 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
13/24

Spicy Bavarian Beer Mustard

Total Time 30 min
Servings 7 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a gift that has bite! This spicy beer mustard is great with pretzels or as a condiment for bratwurst. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 tablespoon: 36 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
14/24

Slow Cooker Shredded Turkey Sandwiches

Total Time 7 hours 15 min
Servings 24 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator: This easy and simple slow-cooked sandwich gets its flavor from bottled beer and onion soup mix. In total, it only takes five ingredients to make the recipe! —Jacki Knuth, Owatonna, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 294 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/24

Porcini Mac & Cheese

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe was inspired by a mushroom mac and cheese I had at a local restaurant. I incorporated the fall flavor of a pumpkin ale, and it turned out better than the original. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 723 calories, 33g fat (19g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 968mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
16/24

Beernana Bread

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator: Really, it's simple arithmetic…or something like that: Beer is good. Banana bread is good. Beernana bread is great! Even guys who don't know their way around the kitchen can pull this one off. —Steve Cayford, Dubuque, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 173 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
17/24

Beer Brat Chili

Total Time 5 hours 10 min
Servings 8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I love this chili because it smells so good as it simmers in the slow cooker all day. I can't think of a better way to use up leftover brats. He can't think of a better way to eat them! —Katrina Krumm, Apple Valley, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 383 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 1256mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 10g fiber), 17g protein.
18/24

German Beer Cheese Spread

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: We love recipes inspired by our German heritage. This tangy spread is fantastic served alongside everything, including pretzels and pumpernickel or crackers and sausage. Choose your favorite beer—the flavor really comes through. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons (calculated without crackers): 95 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 187mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
19/24

BBQ Brats

Total Time 3 hours 20 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: In Wisconsin, brats are a food group! We are always looking for new ways to cook them. This recipe is easy and a hit at any tailgate party or cookout, any time of year. —Jessica Abnet, DePere, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 480 calories, 27g fat (9g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 1659mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
20/24
21/24

Honey Beer Bread

Total Time 50 min
Servings 1 loaf (12 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator: It's true&mdashthis yummy bread requires just four ingredients! Simply combine self-rising flour, sugar, honey and beer, pour the batter into the pan and bake. —Cak Marshall, Salem, OR
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 163 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
22/24

Grilled Beer Brats with Kraut

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I made this for my son’s 21st birthday bonfire, which included a dozen buddies. The kraut topping flavors are fabulous. —Keeley Weber, Sterling Heights, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 582 calories, 34g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1473mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
23/24

Contest-Winning Bavarian Meatball Hoagies

Total Time 3 hours 15 min
Servings 12 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator: When my husband is not manning the grill, I count on my slow cooker. These meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when I serve them as a party appetizer or spooned over crusty rolls and topped with cheese for irresistible sandwiches. —Peggy Rios, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 643 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1302mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein.
24/24

Beer & Cheddar Fondue

Total Time 15 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: This great-tasting beer cheese fondue is my mom's favorite, so I make it for her birthday every year. I like to serve this cheddar cheese fondue recipe with apple slices, rye bread cubes, and chunks of carrots, mushrooms, celery, zucchini, squash and broccoli. —Amanda Wentz, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 221 calories, 16g fat (12g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.