23 Burgers and Dogs for Tailgate Weekend

Keep the tailgate menu casual, filling, and easy to serve with a lineup of handheld favorites. You’ll have plenty of choices for mixing familiar grill fare with bold new flavors and fun twists. These recipes make it easier to feed a crowd while giving everyone something substantial to enjoy between plays.

Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers, Old-School Style

Thin, juicy beef patties are cooked with plenty of savory onions for a classic burger with nostalgic appeal. They are easy to serve at a tailgate when you want something hot, hearty, and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers, Old-School Style

Classic Coney Dogs with All-Meat Chili

These hearty Coney dogs get their signature character from rich, meaty chili spooned over juicy hot dogs. They are made for casual gatherings where everyone can grab one and dig in.
Get the Recipe: Classic Coney Dogs with All-Meat Chili

Juicy Elk Burger Recipe for the Grill

Lean elk makes a flavorful burger with a satisfying, meaty bite while keeping the preparation simple. These are a fun choice for a tailgate when you want to offer something beyond the usual beef burgers.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Elk Burger Recipe for the Grill

Smoked Hot Dogs for the Tailgate Grill

Slow smoking gives classic hot dogs an extra layer of savory flavor while keeping them juicy and easy to serve. They are a reliable choice for a busy tailgate, especially when feeding a crowd with different appetites.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Hot Dogs for the Tailgate Grill

Grilled Bacon Avocado Cheeseburger with Honey Sriracha Mayo

A thick grilled beef patty gets piled high with smoky bacon, creamy avocado, melted cheese, and sweet-spicy mayo. This hearty burger brings plenty of flavor and makes a memorable centerpiece for a tailgate grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon Avocado Cheeseburger with Honey Sriracha Mayo

Campfire Hot Dogs and Beans with Bacon

Grilled hot dogs are paired with smoky beans, tomatoes, and bacon for a hearty meal with rustic appeal. This one-pan favorite works beautifully for tailgates, campouts, and gatherings around the fire.
Get the Recipe: Campfire Hot Dogs and Beans with Bacon

Smoked Bratwurst with Juicy Flavor

Bratwurst takes on a deep smoky character while staying juicy and satisfying. These are easy to serve at a tailgate alongside your favorite buns, toppings, and grilled sides.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Bratwurst with Juicy Flavor

Healthy Mexican Chorizo Burgers with Cotija

Mexican chorizo and seasoned ground meat create flavorful burgers with a savory, spiced character. Finished with your favorite toppings and cotija, they bring a festive touch to the tailgate grill.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Mexican Chorizo Burgers with Cotija

Easy Pizza Burgers for Game Day

Pizza and burgers come together in one fun handheld meal with plenty of familiar comfort-food flavor. They are quick to prepare and especially appealing when you want a crowd-friendly option that feels playful.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pizza Burgers for Game Day

Smoked Sausage Popper Boats on Hoagie Rolls

Smoked sausage gets stuffed with creamy cheese and served on a hoagie with caramelized onions and sweet-spicy mustard. The combination is hearty, smoky, and perfectly suited to a grill-side tailgate.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sausage Popper Boats on Hoagie Rolls

Mac and Cheese Burgers with Cheesy Comfort

Two beloved comfort foods come together in one indulgent burger for a playful addition to the game-day spread. The creamy macaroni and juicy burger make every bite hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese Burgers with Cheesy Comfort

Air Fryer Pizza Dogs for Game Day

Hot dogs get a pizza-inspired makeover with tomato sauce, melted cheese, and classic toppings. The air fryer keeps preparation easy, making it a convenient handheld option for a casual game-day spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Pizza Dogs for Game Day

Italian Sausage Burgers with Peppers and Basil

Italian sausage transforms into juicy burgers packed with the familiar flavors of sausage and peppers. Sweet peppers, fresh basil, and a casual grill-friendly format make these a natural fit for a tailgate.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Burgers with Peppers and Basil

Juicy Bison Burgers for Casual Grilling

Rich bison flavor takes center stage in these simple, juicy burgers that are easy to prepare at home. They are a great addition to a tailgate menu when you want an alternative to standard beef patties.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Bison Burgers for Casual Grilling

Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs with Fruit Salsa

Smoky bacon wraps around juicy hot dogs while sweet fruit salsa adds a bright contrast. The sweet-savory combination makes these a fun choice for an outdoor gathering or tailgate buffet.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs with Fruit Salsa

Korean Kimchi Burgers with Soy and Sesame

Kimchi, soy, and sesame bring bold Korean-inspired flavor to a juicy burger. This fusion-style option adds variety to a tailgate menu while keeping the familiar handheld format everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Korean Kimchi Burgers with Soy and Sesame

Roasted Garlic and Yam Burgers

Roasted garlic gives these yam-based burgers a deep savory flavor, while the baked preparation creates a satisfying texture. They bring something different to the tailgate spread for guests looking beyond traditional burgers.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic and Yam Burgers

Crispy Korean Corn Dogs with Golden Coating

Juicy hot dogs are wrapped in a crisp, golden coating for a popular street-food-inspired treat. Serve these at the tailgate for a handheld snack that is fun to eat and easy to share.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Korean Corn Dogs with Golden Coating

Guacamole Bacon Burger with Swiss Cheese

Creamy guacamole, smoky bacon, caramelized onions, and melted Swiss cheese turn a juicy burger into a generously layered treat. It is a crowd-pleasing choice when your tailgate calls for something rich and filling.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Bacon Burger with Swiss Cheese

Bacon and Blue Wagyu Burgers for the Grill

Rich Wagyu beef and smoky bacon create an especially indulgent burger with plenty of savory flavor. Add the blue cheese and you have a tailgate main dish that feels a little more special than the standard grill fare.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Blue Wagyu Burgers for the Grill

Spiral Hot Dogs with Crispy Grilled Edges

Spiral-cut hot dogs develop extra crispy edges on the grill while creating more surface area for your favorite toppings. They are an easy way to give a familiar tailgate staple a fun upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Hot Dogs with Crispy Grilled Edges

Red Robin Chicken Teriyaki Burger at Home

Sweet teriyaki flavor pairs with tender chicken for a burger inspired by a popular restaurant favorite. It is a fun way to bring a familiar restaurant-style sandwich to your next tailgate gathering.
Get the Recipe: Red Robin Chicken Teriyaki Burger at Home

Crispy Chicken Schnitzel Burger with Pickles

Golden chicken schnitzel gives this burger a wonderfully crisp texture, balanced by fresh lettuce, tangy pickles, and creamy coleslaw. It is a satisfying handheld option for a tailgate crowd.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Chicken Schnitzel Burger with Pickles