Best Recipes for a Vegetarian Tailgate

I know tailgating season recipes are usually more popular in September but since I was lucky enough to travel to my alma mater this past weekend (and witness an awesome victory in front row seats) I had all the outdoor eating foods in mind. I reached out to some of my favorite bloggers and asked them to share their favorite tailgating recipes. I meant to take more food and tailgating pictures this weekend to share in this post but when you are having fun with friends it’s hard to prioritize picture taking… I was just glad I got one of the original Penn Staters + significant others all piled into the RV. I’m lucky enough that my husband went to Penn State with me so we are Nittany Lions through and through- Bring on the college playoffs!! WE ARE!

Anyways… onto the recipes… I asked for vegetarian friendly recipes since my little sister (who has been vegetarian for several years) was joining us… she is a sophomore at Penn State and I’m so glad I get to share college memories with her.

The first two recipes I’m sharing are actually ones I used as inspiration for the food I brought to the tailgate. I made Aggie’s Spinach and Feta bites but subbed cheddar and broccoli for my sister to store in the freezer for finals week. I also made a cross between her Layered Greek Hummus dip and Brittany’s 7 Layer Hummus Dip to share with my friends. I used garlic hummus as the base and then added olives, feta, tomatoes, and cucumbers. If you want something Greek/Mediterranean but more substantial than a dip then check out Julie’s Mediterranean Hummus Wraps.

Katie also had a fun take on using hummus- Super Green Edamame Hummus which is basically a vegetarian’s dream. If you’re into more of a Mexican mood try making Anne’s bean based 7 Layer Dip or Jenny’s Ultimate Garden Chili Nachos.

These Sweet Taco Pepper Poppers which are a hybrid of jalapeno poppers and tacos are another fun take on Mexican favorites. Natalie’s Cauliflower Poppers are the perfect app to please a vegetarian crowd. FYI- This girl ran the NYC Marathon this past weekend as her first marathon- congrats girl!!

Keeping with a fall seasonal theme, Chrissy’s Pumpkin Spice Walnuts, are perfect to keep out all day for any munching. To add a heartier salad to your spread make Esquites which is a Mexican Street Corn Salad– much more exciting than your usual salads. Dianna shared her Buffalo Tempeh Bites which are pretty much the perfect main dish for a vegetarian tailgate. Another great main course for vegetarians are Liz’s Beet Falafel Sliders which are both beautiful and nutritious.

Finally we need dessert! Depending on what you are in the mood for I highly recommend either making my Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie or Chocolate Almond Coconut Bars. They are both vegan and gluten free and more importantly- perfect for sharing!

Enjoy your vegetarian tailgating season! What’s your favorite dish to make for a tailgate??