Chile con Queso
Back in 1939, Sunset published a dip recipe from reader M.K.C. of Elk Grove, California, for La Salsa con Queso—“a lively dish from Mexico,” as we described it, made with canned tomatoes, diced American cheese, and a whisper of fresh chile. While its origins are up for debate—Texas and Arkansas have also claimed the recipe—the dip (now called chile con queso, or simply queso) is still a crowd-pleaser. Our update on the classic, perfect for game day, is made with fresh hot salsa plus hot sauce—but keeps the Velveeta for that chip-coating cling.
Recipe: Chile con Queso
Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers
Leyden is a Dutch cheese that's like gouda with cumin seeds mixed in. If you can't find it, use regular gouda and a few more toasted cumin seeds.
Recipe: Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers
Cheddar and Bacon Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Score big at your game-day gathering with these addictive one-bite appetizers.
Appetizers: Gabriel's Guacamole
This is the base recipe from Gabriel's in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is intended only as a jumping-off point: Add more seasonings to your taste. We preferred it with 1/2 teaspoon jalapeño, 4 teaspoons onion, and 4 teaspoons lime juice.
Recipe: Gabriel's Guacamole
Chicken Enchilada Nacho Bowls
This campsite favorite works just as well at home.
Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Nacho Bowls
Main dishes: Grilled Buttermilk Chicken
Soak chicken in a buttermilk brine for extra moist and tender results, then add subtle Indian-inspired spices for a go-anywhere feast that's miles from boring.
Recipe: Grilled Buttermilk Chicken
New Mexico Green Chile and Frito Burgers
Chiles spice up these burgers three ways: grilled, in the pepper jack cheese, and in the chipotle mayo.
Green Chile-Chicken Stew
This gently spicy "white chili" is best made up to two days ahead and reheated so it's perfect for a pre-planned tailgating menu.
Recipe: Green Chile-Chicken Stew
Smoky Beef-and-Bacon Chili
Bacon, fire-roasted tomatoes, and spicy smoked paprika give this easy-to-make chili a deep, complex flavor. While it's great right after you make it, it's even better the next day.
Recipe: Smoky Beef-and-Bacon Chili
Pressed Italian Sandwiches
These hearty sandwiches pack beautifully for toting along on a tailgate in the fall, and perfect for a picnic or the beach in the summer.
Recipe: Pressed Italian Sandwiches
Devilish Chorizo Chili with Hominy
Not only is this chili easy to make ahead, it actually improves with time. If you like your chili very spicy, add an extra teaspoon of chipotle powder.
Chorizo-Beef Nachos
Using two different types of meet gives these nachos extra-savory flavor.
Recipe: Chorizo-Beef Nachos
Radicchio, Roasted Pepper, and Provolone Ciabatta Sandwiches
The vegetables in these sandwiches don’t get soggy as they stand, and the flavors benefit from a little time together.
Recipe: Radicchio, Roasted Pepper, and Provolone Ciabatta Sandwiches
California Nicoise Sandwich
Inspired by the classic French salad, this fancy tuna sandwich takes a Western turn with sourdough and avocados.
Tailgate tip: Go ahead and make these ahead of time because they pack perfectly.
Recipe: California Nicoise Sandwich
Frito Pie with Red Chili
What's not to love about this retro ground-beef chili piled onto Fritos, with all the fixings?
Recipe: Frito Pie with Red Chili
Roast Chicken-Chipotle Nachos with Cilantro-Avocado Crema
Purchase a roast chicken and shred it to make the preparation that much easier.
Recipe: Roast Chicken-Chipotle Nachos with Cilantro-Avocado Crema
Grass-Fed Burgers with Chipotle Barbecue Sauce
Potato Salad with Artichokes, and Green Bean, Hazelnut, and Mint salad
Give your guests options by serving both these sides. This zingy potato salad with artichokes is rich and creamy, while the green bean salad topped with a bright lemon dressing is light and fresh.
Recipe: Potato Salad with Artichokes and Asparagus
Recipe: Green Bean, Hazelnut, and Mint Salad with Lemon Dressing
The New Three-Bean Salad
No canned kidney beans here―and the flavors get even better if you start the salad a day ahead.
Recipe: The New Three-Bean Salad
Spinach and Orzo Salad
This herb vinaigrette-dressed pasta salad keeps better than a mayo-based one from the deli—and tastes better too.
Recipe: Spinach and Orzo Salad
Chicken, Corn, and Tomato Pasta Salad
Toss together shredded chicken with orzo pasta, sweet corn, chopped red onion, and basil. Add a ricotta-lemon dressing. Dinner's ready.
Tomato, Sweet Onion, and Parsley Salad
Soaking the onions in water smooths out all their rough edges.
Tailgate tip: You can make this salad up to 1 day ahead.
Blue Cheese Cornbread
Add freshly cut corn kernels to your favorite cornbread batter along with blue cheese and chopped fresh chives.
Basic Cornbread Recipe: Cornbread
Roasted Tomato and Three-Chile Salsa
The layers of deep flavor come from roasted vegetables and pan-toasted chiles.
Desserts: Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Chewy, and big enough to share—though you may want every bite. For the richest flavor, use dark chocolate and cocoa such as Scharffen Berger.
Recipe: Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars
These sinfully rich bars pack the benefits of whole-wheat flour, wheat germ, and rolled oats.
Butternut Squash Spice Cake
Remarkably moist and tender, this cake gets its fall warmth from spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and a hint of black pepper. Whole-wheat pastry flour adds nutrients without compromising taste or texture.
Recipe: Butternut Squash Spice Cake