(Family Features) Tailgating season is in full swing, but not everyone has time (or space) to fire up a grill before kickoff. Whether you ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re hosting friends in your driveway, tailgating without a truck or trying to simplify game-day prep, you ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re not alone.
According to Paul Zahn, entertaining expert, fall is the perfect time to rethink the traditional tailgate menu.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œYou don ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t need a grill to impress your guests ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ you just need the right mix of crowd-pleasers, portability and no-fuss presentation,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Zahn said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œIt ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s all about creating a vibe that feels fun and elevated, without requiring hours in the kitchen.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
The makers of Hormel Gatherings products ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ known for their ready-to-serve party trays loaded with premium meats, cheeses and crackers ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ tapped Zahn to share his five go-to tips for building a no-cook tailgate spread that scores big.
1. Lean Into Local Favorites
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI love anchoring my events with a theme and what better way to celebrate your team than creating food and drinks that pay homage to them and their states,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Zahn said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œIÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™m talking hometown eats with a twist.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
For instance, Virginia ham fans can stack mild cheddar and honey ham between two crispy crackers, hit it with mustard and boom: instant ham-and-cheese bite. Bonus points for pairing with a local brew.
2.Make It Portable and Shareable
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œNo one wants to juggle a plate and a beer,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Zahn said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThink grab-and-go.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
He loads up Hormel Gatherings trays and gets creative: caprese skewers with tomato, basil, mozzarella and salami, or ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œjar-cuterieÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ mini jars layered with meats, cheeses and crackers. ItÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s a creative way to serve charcuterie without the mess, and guests love the grab-and-go convenience.
3. Sweeten the Deal
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œA sweet treat always buttons up your tailgating fun so dessert is a must-have,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Zahn said, ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œbut keep it bite-size.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
His go-to is mini doughnuts in football-themed cups with whipped cream and team-colored sprinkles. Or go seasonal with apple cider doughnuts, pumpkin cookies or mini pies.
4. Don ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t Forget the Bevs
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI love creating signature cocktails for events but no one wants to be mixing and muddling drinks when tailgating with friends,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Zahn said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œMake your cocktails the night before so you can actually enjoy the party.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
He preps mason jars of team-themed drinks (a Bloody Mary if your colors are red and black) and loads them in a cooler with sparkling waters, canned cocktails and local beers.
5. Go Big on Chips and Dips
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œDips are a no-cook crowd-pleaser, and theyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re perfect for tailgating,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Zahn said.
He serves guac, hummus and buffalo ranch with tortilla chips, pretzels and veggie sticks in single-serve disposable cups ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ no double-dipping, no mess.
Tailgating without a grill doesn ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™t mean compromising on flavor or fun. With the right no-cook lineup ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ and a few strategic shortcuts ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ anyone can host a winning party this season.
