Best Homegating Recipes of 2020
Updated: Sep 21, 2021
Our Favorite Homegating and Tailgating Menu, featuring Authentic Mexican Hot Sauce
Happy Football Season! Whether you're tailgating or homegating this year, we're all looking forward to loud cheering and good food.
Since no football tailgate is complete without a little heat, we've pulled together our favorite tailgating snacks and football party food ideas for you. All the recipes have that authentic Mexican hot sauce flavor, straight from El Yucateco.
Tailgating Snacks
If you read our previous Homegating post, you already know how valuable finger foods are to the rhythm of your football party. These tailgating appetizers are just the type of easy snacks to keep your guests happy while the grill heats up and all through the game. Make sure to have plenty around, because they disappear fast!
Jalapeño Poppers
Warm, grilled jalapeño poppers are one of our very favorite homegating or tailgating snacks. The creamy cheese does lovely things to the mellow jalapeño spice. Yum!
Let Mike walk you through the whole process in our recipe video. His tips for handling the jalapeños and keeping the bacon securely wrapped make everything easier.
Prep them ahead, so all you have to do is toss them on the heat as the party starts. They work beautifully on the grill and also in the oven, so take advantage of that kitchen if you're homegating!
Smoked Queso Dip
This delicious smoked dip is so easy! Just throw everything together in a pan and let the heat melt it into a delicious, smoky, cheesy bowl of game-time flavor.
Check out our recipe video to see how quickly it comes together.
Smoked Wings w/ Blue Cheese Dip
The classic combo of chicken wings and blue cheese gets even better when you add smoke and heat. Set out some El Yucateco Caribbean Habanero Hot Sauce for your friends to kick up the heat even more!
These can be cooked ahead and warmed at game time, or grilled right in front of your guests.
Mike will show you the basics in this video.
Guacamole
Fresh, creamy guacamole is a tailgating party classic. This version has a little extra flavor. Just enough to make it stand out from the crowd. Once you try it, you'll never go back!
Watch the full process here.
Grill All-Stars
Sometimes you want something more filling on the tailgating menu. Grilling burgers and dogs is never a bad idea. Try some of these grilling ideas to spice things up and add some variety to the classics. Who doesn't like bacon?
Chipotle Infused Smoked Burger
El Yucateco Chipotle Sauce gives this burger a rich smokiness and warm heat. Watch the video for tips to keep the patty extra-juicy and keep it from getting that massive lump in the middle. You know what we're talking about.
These also make fantastic sliders if you prefer to keep things bite-sized. Just grab small dinner rolls instead of full-sized buns and hand-form your slider patties.
Double Bacon Chili Dogs
These chili dogs put all others to shame. They're smoky and spicy and just what the football fan ordered. Set up a little chili-dog bar, and guests can add all the condiments and toppers they want.
Mike shared all his tips and pointers in the recipe video.
Sweet & Spicy
Food for your football party just isn't complete without something sweet on the roster. Chocolate goes well with chilis, so we've even included a dessert recipe that incorporates El Yucateco. Don't worry, they won't burn your tongue, just warm it up a bit while you enjoy the rich chocolate.
Habanero Brownie Bites
These aren’t your babysitter’s brownies. The El Yucateco Black Label Reserve Sauce gives them a hint of heat. It deepens the chocolate flavor with a layer of smoke and espresso.

Ingredients:
½ cup butter (1 stick)
½ cup cocoa
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon El Yucateco Black Label Reserve Sauce
1 cup sugar
¼ cup flour
1 teaspoon espresso powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Melt butter and cocoa in a saucepan and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes.
Transfer lukewarm butter mix to a large bowl and whisk in eggs, one at a time. Stir in vanilla and El Yucateco Black Label Reserve Sauce.
In a separate bowl, combine sugar, flour, espresso powder, and salt.
Add dry mixture to wet and stir until just combined.
Pour into a greased 8x8 inch square pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Let them cool completely before cutting into bite-sized bars. Otherwise, the edges will be a bit messy.
You don’t have to worry about too much heat in these. If you stick to the recipe, it’ll only be the mildest buzz on your tongue as you enjoy one. However, if you’re feeling more adventurous, try bumping up the amount of hot sauce by a half teaspoon at a time until you find your perfect balance of heat and sweet.
For more tailgating tips and saucy grilling recipes, check out these other posts:
The Best Tailgating Gear from El Yucateco
The Year's Best Tailgating Cocktails
Looking for more spicy appetizers, grilling tips, or ways to level up your weekday menu? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or YouTube for more great ideas, all season long!