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Tailgating Essentials 101

By: Hannah Slaughter and Farima Alavi

New to the tailgate scene? Make sure you have everything you need with our wing combination ideas, toppings bar, and printable checklists and cook-off scorecards.

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Tequila Lime Wings

Make It: Combine 1/4 tequila, 1/3 cup fresh lime juice and one tablespoon honey in a bowl, and toss with one pound chicken wings. Grill at 350 degrees F on indirect heat for 10-15 minutes on one side, and 7 minutes on the other side.

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Maple Bourbon Wings

Make It: Season one pound chicken wings with salt and pepper or desired spices. Combine 1/4 cup bourbon, 1/4 cup maple syrup, one tablespoon apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon butter in a pot, and simmer over stovetop until thickened. Coat wings with sauce and place on foil-lined grill or griddle at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes on one side and 10-15 minutes on the other side.

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Falafel-Crusted Wings

Make It: Combine 3/4 cup falafel mix, one egg and 1/4 cup chopped parsley in a large bowl. Toss with one pound chicken wings. Grill at 350 degrees F on indirect heat for 10-15 minutes on one side, and turn and grill for 7 more minutes.

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Classic Hot Wings

Make It: Combine three cloves minced garlic with 1/2 cup butter and 3/4 cup hot pepper sauce. Coat one pound chicken wings with sauce, and place on foil-lined grill or griddle at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes on one side and 10-15 minutes on the other side. Serve with blue cheese dressing.

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Beer-Coated Wings

Make It: Combine one bottle lager beer with one tablespoon paprika and 1/2 cup flour in a bowl, and toss with one pound chicken wings. Grill at 350 degrees F on indirect heat for 10-15 minutes on one side, and turn and grill for 7 more minutes.

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Waffle Sandwich

Make It: Place a couple bacon strips on top of a waffle, and drizzle with maple syrup. Fold in half to make a sandwich.

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Chocolate Banana Burrito

Make It: Spread one tablespoon chocolate hazelnut spread on a tortilla, and place banana slices on top. Fold into a burrito, and enjoy.

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Pimento Biscuit Sandwich

Make It: Spread pre-made pimento cheese on a halved biscuit, and drizzle with honey.

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Sausage Crescent Sandwich

Make It: Add crumbled sausage and shredded cheddar cheese in between two crescent halves.

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Avocado Toast

Make It: Spread mashed avocado on a slice of bread, and top with a sunny side up egg. Sprinkle with black pepper.

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Burger and Hot Dog Topping Ideas

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Tailgate Checklist

Make sure you have everything you need to entertain guests and keep them safe. Print the checklist here.

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Tailgate Checklist: Food

Keep your guests full and happy with our printable food checklist.

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Tailgate Checklist: Cooking Essentials

Don’t forget a thing with our printable cooking essentials checklist.

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Chili Cook-Off Scorecards

Let your friends be the judges, and have them score different chili recipes based on aroma, creativity, flavor, texture and presentation. Print the scorecard here.