Murray’s Guide to Tailgating at Home

Even if you can’t make it to the stadium for the big game, we’ve got everything you need to put on the perfect tailgating spread at home. Our curated collections like Slam Dunk Snacks and boards like The Big Game Day Cheese Board are a quick fix for any afternoon in front of the TV, but if you want to craft your own original platter to cheer on your team, take a look at some of our favorite picks here.

Cheese

When it comes to snackable cheeses, we’ve got you covered. For selections that are guaranteed to please, we like crunchy, sweet, and slightly fruit favorites like cheddars and Gouda-style cheeses that pair well with mustard, pickles, and charcuterie. Our own Cavemaster Original Stockinghall Cheddar is the ultimate game day pick with its notes of sour cream and bright pineapple, and a perfect partner for this award winner is The Farm at Doe Run’s Seven Sisters, a firm, milky cheese with flavors of caramel and butterscotch. Want similar options? Dig into our list of categories for some inspiration on other snacking favorites to fill up your board.

Accompaniments

A game day spread wouldn’t be complete without some bright bites! From veggies to chips and everything in between, we’re big fans of anything that’s crunchy and flavorful–and of course, can be paired with cheese. If you’re looking for a snack that’ll bring the heat, look no further than our own Spicy Jalapeno Pickles. Perfect for accompanying cheddars and sliced meats, these zesty pickle chips also make a killer addition to any homemade sandwich. And for something sweet, we love Quicos de Chocolate. These chocolate covered corn nuts are the ultimate Spanish snack, and their mellow, nutty essence is a natural combo with those buttery Gouda-style cheeses.

Meat

Bring on the charcuterie! Fill up for the big game with our selection of meat–cold cuts, salami chubs, and sausages ready to be grilled. For a simple, prep-free pick that’s sure to hit the spot, try a smoked salami that can be sliced and served in minutes. But if you’re in the mood to fire up the grill, we can’t get enough of the Olympia Provisions Game Day Grillin’ Pack, which has something for everyone: kielbasa, bratwurst, frankfurters, and salami.

Recipes

Want to build a board that stands out? Try incorporating an original recipe into your spread, like a homemade appetizer or dip. When it comes to dips that pair perfectly with sweet, salty, and savory selections, we love a classic Beer Cheese, or our take on it–the Signature Pimento Cheese Dip. With a kick of bright heat, it’s the ideal accompaniment for pickles, meats, and crackers. However, if you’re looking to raise the bar on game day provisions, we’ve got the ultimate burger recipe right here. The Juicy Lucy is an iconic creation which features a center of melted cheese–perfect for topping off an afternoon of incredible eats.


Want to explore more snacking inspiration? Check out the rest of our top picks for crafting the ultimate game day spread right here.