Tailgating Tips for a Winning Game Day Spread

Football season is here, and that means it’s time to break out the coolers, folding chairs, and plenty of snacks. Whether you’re heading to the stadium or setting up in the backyard, a great tailgate doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning—and plenty of cheese—you can put together a game day spread that’s easy to serve, easy to share, and guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for another bite.

Start With the Cheese

Every good tailgate needs a strong starting lineup. Choose a few cheeses with different flavors and textures so everyone has something to enjoy. A classic cheddar is always a crowd-pleaser, while smoked, spicy, or flavored cheeses can add something a little more exciting to the spread.

Cut cheese into cubes, wedges, or thicker slices that are easy to grab without utensils. Pair it with summer sausage, snack sticks, crackers, pretzels, or your favorite mustard for a simple spread that doesn’t require much prep once you arrive.

Pack Your Cooler Like a Pro

Your cooler can do more than keep drinks cold. Pack cheeses, meats, dips, and other chilled snacks together so everything you need for your spread stays organized.

One of our favorite tricks? Freeze grapes ahead of time and add them to your cooler. They can help keep your snacks cool on the way to the game, and as they thaw, they become a sweet addition to your cheese spread.

Keep crackers and other crunchy items in a separate container until you’re ready to serve so they stay crisp.

Keep It Easy to Grab

Tailgating food should be easy to eat while standing, talking, and cheering on your team. Skip anything that requires a lot of cutting or assembling once the party starts.

Think:

• Cheese cubes and wedges
• Sliced summer sausage
• Crackers and pretzels
• Snack sticks
• Mustard and spreads
• Nuts
• Grapes or dried fruit
• Pickles and other bite-sized favorites

A wooden board, tray, or even a few small serving baskets can turn simple snacks into a game day spread in just a few minutes.

Prep Before Game Day

The less work you have to do at the tailgate, the better. Portion snacks, pack serving utensils, and organize everything the night before.

A simple checklist can save you from realizing halfway to the game that the mustard is still sitting in the refrigerator. Don’t forget napkins, plates, toothpicks, a small knife or cheese spreader, and a bag for cleanup.

Give Your Spread a Game Day Upgrade

You don’t need an elaborate football-shaped cheese board to make things festive. A few small touches can bring the theme together without getting in the way of the food.

Use team-colored napkins, add a football or pennant near the serving area, or write the names of your cheeses on little game-day labels. You can even call your featured cheese the MVP of the Spread.

Don’t Forget the Road-Trip Snacks

Not everything has to make it onto the snack table. Keep a few easy-to-grab treats set aside for the drive, halftime, or the trip home. Cheese, sausage, crackers, and snack mixes make great options when everyone starts getting hungry again.

Make Cheese Haus Part of Your Starting Lineup

A winning tailgate starts with good food and good company. Stock up on your favorite cheeses, summer sausage, crackers, mustards, spreads, and snacks from the Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, then pack the cooler and get ready for game day.

Whether your team wins or loses, at least you know the snacks will be good. 🧀🏈

• Holland Smoked Gouda – A smooth, smoky cheese that pairs perfectly with sausage, crackers, and mustard.
• All Beef Hickory Chub – Slice it up before the game for an easy, savory addition to your tailgate board.
• Bacon Cheese Spread – Rich, creamy, and made for spreading on your favorite crackers.
• Smoked Jalapeño Cheese Spread – Add a little smoky heat to your game day lineup.
• Cheese Haus Butter Pretzels – Crunchy, buttery, and easy to pass around at the tailgate.
• Breton Original Crackers – A simple, sturdy cracker for cheeses and spreads.
• Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce – A sweet-and-tangy addition for pretzels, sausage, and more.
• Yellow & White Mixed Cheese Curds – Bite-sized, cheesy, and practically made for game day snacking.