AFC Football Tailgating Recipes

Football fans may arguably be the most diehard of all American sports boosters, but they are absolutely the most passionate when it comes to eating – can anyone say “tailgating?” What other sport coined a term to describe the on-the-go cooking and eating synonymous with the game? In that spirit, we’ve consulted with self-described Commissioner of Tailgating, tailgating.com’s Joe Cahn, to bring you the best recipes – by team – to eat this tailgating season. So grab your grills, good eats, football jerseys and beer and get to the stadium to start cooking … and come back soon to see what AFC tailgate fans are eatin’!

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Baltimore Ravens

Maryland is known for its seafood, so what better way to start a Ravens game than with some fresh Chesapeake Bay Grilled Shrimp. Tote along a portable grill and this dish is a cinch to whip up. Keep the theme swimming with Radcliffe’s Clam Dip, a crowd-pleaser that serves about 15 – 25 people. For turf lovers, try Mike’s Maryland Raven Chili, sure to keep fans warm when the cold comes to town.

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Buffalo Bills

Buffalo fans are used to the cold, which explains why The Commissioner picked Hot Wings as the tailgating food of choice. A famed concoction among Bills fans is The Mouthful, a huge breakfast sandwich made with eggs, a blueberry pancake, bacon, hash and even more food than one can imagine! Buffalo fans also like their Turkey in a Can -- it’s great to eat and the can seconds as a heating vessel when the turkey’s finished!

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Cincinnati Bengals

Who dey think gonna beat dem Bengals? Nobody! Cincy fans are some of the spiciest in the NFL. For a little kick, try the Bengals Stuffed Jalapenos that are filled with sausage and bacon. Easy Dip is a great appetizer for those that would rather spend time mingling than cooking. For the expert tailgater, try Who Dey Meatballs, this game day staple takes some effort, but the joy they bring makes these must-try tailgate fare.

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Cleveland Browns

The Browns fans' are a hearty bunch, meat-loving crowd so The Commissioner says to go with oversized portions of “roast pig, sausageand deep fried turkey” as the tailgating picks for Cleveland. And what’s all that meat without any starch? We suggest Big Johnny G’s Cleveland Browns Tailgate Potatoes on the side.

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Denver Broncos

Mass amounts of Bronco fans at Mile High Stadium – seats have been selling out here since it opened in 1970 – clamor for classic Baby Back Ribs and Beer Batter Wings. We suggest throwing a few steaks on the grill as well to step up the game, and to ensure it’s perfectly cooked, be sure to take note of some awesome just-right beef tips.

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Houston Texans

Hot and spicy Tex-Mex fare is, not surprisingly The Commissioner’s pick for Texan fans. Try the Texans Best Dip to start off the tailgate and some fabulous Margaritas to get you through the heat!
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Indianapolis Colts

It’s hard not to know about the Colts even if you aren’t a football fan. Star quarterback, Peyton Manning, is seen everywhere from country music concerts to tv commercials on television. Colts fans also put themselves out there in a big way with wild and wonderful dishes like Fruit Pizza, The Brew Crew Killer Pork Loin and even Uncle Dan’s Almost Famous Chili. Note to Peyton: We smell a new endorsement opportunity!

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Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have the best home record in the NFL as well as the loudest outdoor stadium. They have their 12th man (the fans) to thank for that! A diverse Kansas City crowd enjoys everything from an Easy Brisket to Grilled Chicken Quesadillas and the slightly wacky Smoked Salmon Hawaiian Cajun Style -- now THAT’S some boomin’ food!

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Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville is one of six teams never to have played in a Super Bowl, but that doesn’t stop fans from tailgating up a storm. Bob’s Sack’um Dogs is a fan fave, topped with onions, peppers and potatoes. Peppers make a comeback in Jaguars' River City Sausage & Peppers and Portuguese Pork with Red Peppers, too.

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Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are famous for completing the first perfect season ever (winning every regular season game, two playoff games and Super Bowl VII) in 1972. The Commissioner suggests winning tailgate fare like colorfully spicy Caribbean food and Dolphins fans like Berry’s Bean Dip. Cool off from the heat with some Pineapple-Ginger Spritzer.

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New England Patriots

New England fans are equally loyal and passionate about food and football. Since most of the nation’s seafood comes off the New England coast, fans stay local with Championship Mussels and Maine Boiled Lobsters for their tailgate. For a yummy fall treat, bring a Pumpkin Roll for your crew.

New York Jets

They play in New Jersey and are one among many New York sports franchises, but that doesn’t diminish the Jets in the eyes of many New Yorkers – it just gives them another thing to fight about with their neighbors! Given the city’s diversity, the food should be too, so try this riff on a classic: Burgers with a Twist. The Commissioner found that Jets fans are also munching on Chernobyl Chicken Wings and Mexican Style Refried Bean Dip.

Oakland Raiders

In sunny California one would think wearing black would be uncomfortable, but not for ‘Raider Nation’ -- Oakland’s die-hard fans, which includes Tiger Woods, Tom Hanks and the band Slayer. You may find these “fahncy”tailgaters eating Roast Leg of Lamb, while the earthier of the bunch munch on sausages and Beer Boiled Shrimp.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers’ fans are not only proud of their football team but they are proud of their city, which is why many name their tailgating foods after their beloved City of Bridges. Some start off their day of football with the Steel City Afterburner Breakfast. After breakfast, it’s time to whip out the Sausage Wontons with a side of Steel City Crunchy Coleslaw. Then root for one of only three teams to have won the Super Bowl five times!

San Diego Chargers

The surf city of San Diego keeps their tailgate food light and fresh in order to maintain their bikini bodies all year round. Some favorite recipes include Devil Dawn’s Honey Jalapeno Wings that have just a touch of sweetness. For those that want to keep it even healthier try San Diego Fresh Salsa or So California Grilled Chicken.

Tennessee Titans

Located in the capital of country music, Nashville, TN, it’s no surprise that Titans fans dig BBQ cuisine. Previously known as the Oilers before changing to the Titans in 1999, this team has struggled against the much stronger NFL teams. However, their fans in the parking lots have not! Don’t forget to include Brooks’ Baked Beans and Suzie’s Hot Wings when packing up the car.

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