Football season is officially upon us, and after months of patiently waiting we couldn’t be happier to dive into our Eagles games, fantasy leagues and tailgate parties. And here in South Jersey, we take tailgating pretty seriously. So when you’re looking to catch a game with a crowd, there are plenty of places to cheer on your team while also enjoying some of our favorite snacks. Check out these 10 tailgate treats for your next Sunday celebration.
Loaded House Nachos
PJ Whelihan’s, Washington Township and other locations
These mile-high nachos start with tri-color tortilla chips, layered with PJ’s house-made five-alarm beef and chorizo sausage chili. From there they get smothered in melted cheddar jack cheese and finished with sour cream, guacamole, diced tomato and slices of fresh jalapeños. You’ll never worry about a nude chip on this tray.
Fried Pickles
Buffalo Wild Wings, Moorestown and other locations
Slices of salty dill pickles are breaded in cornmeal and fried, then served with Southwestern ranch dressing for dipping. The perfect combo of salty, crispy and greasy is truly hard to resist, and one of our classic go-to appetizers for every game day.
Onion Ring Tower
Yard House, Moorestown
People have come to associate Yard House with their sprawling craft beer list, but their equally as impressive list of appetizers and shared plates is definitely worth browsing as well. The beer-battered onion ring tower is more of a showpiece, served piled high on a metal stake with your choice of chipotle or buttermilk ranch dipping sauces.
Spinach Dip
Miller’s Ale House, Mount Laurel
A true fan favorite, Miller’s sticks to tradition with their spinach dip, using a combination of spinach and their “secret” blend of veggies, mixed with hot, melted cheese and served bubbling away with tortilla chips and salsa. The table will go on an all-out blitz when this hits the table.
Pretzel Bites
Ott’s, Voorhees and other locations
Bite-sized soft pretzels are baked and plated with a hearty helping of white cheese sauce. Pair it with your favorite beer or drink and a few fellow fans and you’ve got a snack that’s perfect for picking at from kickoff to the two-minute warning.
Cheese Steak Nachos
Kaminski’s, Cherry Hill
If you want to play it close to home with your nacho selection, this is the plate for you. Tortilla chips are topped with grilled and chopped steak, melted cheddar and American cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and salsa. That and a pitcher or two and you’ve got a shareable cheese steak that won’t leave you stuffed before halftime.
Fried Mac & Cheese
The Village Pub, Washington Township
With a killer beer list and TVs around every corner, it’s easy to see why The Village Pub has become a local favorite on Sundays. Each of their fried mac & cheese balls are hand-rolled, packed with bacon and shallots then breaded and deep fried and served with a house-made creamy Dijon sauce. They’re cheesy and salty with just the right amount of fresh flavor from the shallots.
Cheese Steak Eggrolls
Hollywood Café, Woodbury
Hollywood Café has some of the biggest TVs in the area, so you won’t miss a minute of the action. If you’re looking to stick around until the late game be sure to grab a plate of these eggrolls, which takes one of our favorite Philly foods and wraps it up in a bite-size, handheld nosh before deep frying them until crispy and serving with ketchup.
Ranch Fries
Whistler’s Inn, Cinnaminson
Start with a big basket of crispy, piping-hot fries, then top them off with tangy ranch dressing, melted mozzarella cheese and chopped bacon. They go perfect on Whistler’s giant outdoor porch, which stays open year-round and can be enclosed to keep out the elements as the winter weather approaches.
Buffalo Wings
Pic-A-Lilli Inn, Shamong
Known by faithful fans as “Pics,” this spot is an institution in the wing department. Available in mild, spicy, hot, smoked and garlic Parmesan, you can mix and match your choice of traditional wings, breaded Buffalo “ears” and tails, or chicken breasts. No matter what you pick, you’re getting a wing that is famous all over the area.
Published (and copyrighted) in Suburban Family Magazine, Volume 7, Issue 7 (September, 2016).
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