Years ago, I worked in the marketing department for a bank. My job was to manage the executive dining room and oversee other bank hospitality events. We had an annual tailgate party at one of our branches. I once chickened out and convinced the catering staff to take heed of a stormy forecast and feed our crowd inside. What a blunder! The food was so delicious. The fans were psyched up for their teams. But we failed to deliver the most important element of tailgate charm: fresh air. Please, don’t repeat my youthful error!

Tailgate season is a great reason for fans of football – or fans of fun and food – to gather outdoors. We might not even know the rules of the game. It doesn’t matter. We all like to eat! There are so many options for professional, college and local high school games in the tailgating realm. Most fans want something easy to prepare that travels well, holds up and tastes great. The following recipes are designed to deliver just that. The tradition of joining friends for delicious food in the great outdoors is always a winner.

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Goat Cheese Poppers

Pumpkin seeds, known as pepitas, also make an appearance in creamy, spicy Goat Cheese Poppers. They are also super-easy to make ahead.

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NCField&FamilySummer2026
Flip through the pages of the Summer 2026 edition of North Carolina Field and Family magazine. In this issue, find vineyard adventures at U-pick muscadine grape farms, explore the oasis of Manteo, learn more about on-farm markets, enjoy peak berry season with summer berry recipes, read about riveting research on hemp fiber and so much more.

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