All Things Food: Easy DIY Tailgating Recipes

Penn State is known for its excellent academic programs, but Penn State Football holds its own reputation as well. We are the number one student section in the country, which is no easy feat to accomplish, so be proud of becoming part of the legacy! Along with the legacy is of course tailgating before the game to hang out with friends and family before entering the stadium. I love going to tailgates because it’s a great way to destress and have fun after a long week of academics. If you’ve never been to a game before, you’ll be impressed by the number of people that come from all over to tailgate and fill all of the surrounding fields around the stadium– 107,000 to be exact.


Although getting to see visiting family and friends while spending time outside is nice, of course the best part of tailgating is the food! Be sure to go out before the game and fill up on all the homemade goodies parents bring. Food inside Beaver Stadium can be pricey, so enjoy some yummy treats before you go in. Games average 4 hours start to finish, depending on the opponent, so you won’t want to go in hungry. Here are a few of my favorite foods that you can bring to a tailgate potluck that are cheap and easy to make in a dorm:


Brownies – every residence hall area has access to a kitchen, so if you buy a disposable pan and mix you can make your own brownies to save money rather than buying them. A disposable pan makes it easy so you don’t have to worry about getting your pan back after the game. Every kitchen area is free to use, so don’t be afraid to cook your favorite food while you’re away from home!


Buffalo chicken dip – a tailgating classic with only a few ingredients. You can even buy canned chicken that is pre-marinated in hot sauce to make it even easier. Just combine your ingredients in a bowl then save it in your dorm fridge until game day. Use your microwave to melt cheese on top.


Fruit/veggies – every week, weather permitting, there’s a market downtown in State College with fresh produce (among other things like baked goods and flowers) from local farmers. Pick up some healthy snacks at the market, then all you need is a plate to chop up your produce and serve them at your tailgate. Don’t forget the veggie dip!


Chips and salsa/guac – an easy go to that you can pick up at the convenience store in the commons without having to make anything. Always buy more than you think you’ll need because they go fast!


By: Morgan McCormick (Mentor Team A)