Whether you’re hosting a backyard watch party or heading to the stadium, a successful tailgate starts with good food and a well-planned grocery list. From burgers and brats to deli platters, appetizers and drinks, Busch’s has plenty of options to help you feed a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen.

Game Day Meats and Grilling Essentials

The grill is the centerpiece of any good tailgate, and Busch’s meat department gives you plenty to work with. Pick up fresh-cut proteins the day before, season them overnight, and you’re already ahead of the game.

What to put on the grill:

• Burgers: Fresh-ground beef patties are hard to beat. The 80/20 blend gives you the best balance of flavor and juiciness.

• Brats and sausages: Bratwurst, Italian sausage, and smoked sausage links are tailgate staples for good reason. They’re easy to cook in bulk and even easier to eat.

• Chicken: Bone-in thighs and drumsticks hold up well over direct heat and are simple to cook in large batches. Great for bigger groups.

• Ribs: If you have the time to low-and-slow them, baby back ribs are always a hit. Pre-marinated options at the meat counter cut down on prep if you’re short on time.

Prepared Foods and Ready-to-Serve Favorites

Grilling is fun, but standing at the grill for four hours is not exactly hosting. The prepared foods section at Busch’s lets you fill out your spread with items that are already done and ready to serve. This is especially useful if you’re feeding a large group or juggling multiple things at once.

Look for these prepared food options:

• Rotisserie chicken: Already cooked, well-seasoned, and versatile. Pull it for sliders, serve it alongside sides, or just set it out whole.

• Macaroni and cheese: A crowd-pleaser that goes fast. Grab more than you think you need.

• Mashed potatoes and other sides: Easy to heat and serve, no oven required.

• Hot entrees: Check the day-of selection. You may find chicken tenders, ribs, or other items ready to go from the hot case.

Deli Items and Snacks

The deli counter is one of the most underrated parts of a tailgate setup. It’s where you build the food that’s out and ready before anything comes off the grill. Order ahead when you can, especially for larger parties.

Deli items worth grabbing:

• Party platters: Meat and cheese trays, sandwich platters, and veggie trays travel well and require zero prep on your end.

• Sliced meats and cheeses: Put together a simple charcuterie spread with crackers and a few condiments. It looks impressive with minimal effort.

• Specialty cheeses: Ask the counter staff what’s available. Busch’s typically has a good selection of artisan and imported options.

• Olives and dips: Hummus, spinach dip, and olives pair well with pita chips or sliced baguette and give guests something to graze on while waiting for the main food.

Game Day Appetizers

Good game-day appetizers are shareable, easy to eat while standing, and gone before you know it. Busch’s carries a solid selection of frozen and refrigerated options that go from the oven or air fryer to the table fast.

Top football snacks to add to your cart:

• Wings: Fresh or frozen, wings belong at every tailgate. Grab two or three sauce options so guests can pick their preferred heat level.

• Jalapeño poppers: Always popular, and they take about 20 minutes in the oven.

• Mini sliders or pretzel bites: No plate needed, which keeps things casual and easy.

• Pigs in a blanket: Quick to prep, quick to disappear.

• Queso and salsa: Set these out with tortilla chips, and they basically take care of themselves all afternoon.

Beverages

A well-stocked cooler matters just as much as the food. Busch’s has a wide selection of drinks to cover every preference in the group.

Stock up on:

• Beer and hard seltzers: A variety pack covers more ground than sticking to one brand or style.

• Wine and canned cocktails: Good options for guests who want something different.

• Soft drinks and sparkling water: Always include non-alcoholic choices, especially if kids are coming along.

• Sports drinks and juice: Useful for longer outdoor events, especially when it’s warm.

• Ice: Buy more than you think you need. You will always use it.

Hosting Tips and Tailgating Menu Ideas

Food is the foundation of a great tailgate, but a little organization goes a long way toward making the whole thing enjoyable for you, too. A few things that help:

Write your list before you shop. Go through your full tailgating menu at home and write down how much of everything you need. It’s surprisingly easy to underestimate how fast a crowd goes through food.

Mix hot and cold items. Pair grilled proteins with cold deli items and room-temperature snacks. This staggers your prep, so food is available for guests even before anything comes off the grill.

Create separate food stations. Spread out your snacks, mains, and beverages across a few different areas. It keeps traffic moving and prevents a pile-up around one table.

Cut down on cleanup. Use disposable trays and parchment-lined sheet pans wherever you can. Less time washing up means more time watching the game.

A simple game day menu that works for most groups:

• Grilled brats and burgers with toppings on the side

• Rotisserie chicken from the Busch’s prepared foods section

• Deli platter with sliced meats, cheeses, and crackers

• Wings and jalapeño poppers as appetizers

• Queso, salsa, and tortilla chips for continuous snacking

• Drinks on ice in a large cooler

This lineup pulls from several departments at Busch’s, making shopping efficient and giving your guests plenty of options throughout the event.

How Much Food Do You Need for a Tailgate?

Planning the right amount of food ensures none of your guests go hungry while minimizing leftovers. For a smaller gathering of six to eight people, focus on two main proteins, two sides, and a single cooler of drinks. If your group grows to 10 to 15 people, you should expand the menu to include three mains, three sides, and at least two cases of beverages to keep everyone satisfied. For larger crowds of 20 or more people, it is best to buy in bulk, preparing four or more mains, four diverse sides, and multiple coolers filled with a wide variety of beverages.

Shop Busch’s Before Game Day

You don’t need an elaborate plan to host a great tailgate. You just need the right store and a solid list. Busch’s Fresh Food Market has everything covered, from the meat counter and prepared foods to the deli, snack aisle, and beverage section.

Stop by your nearest Busch’s location in Southeastern Michigan before game day and pick up everything in one trip. Your guests will eat well, and you’ll actually get to enjoy the game.

Tailgating Grocery Checklist

☐ Burgers

☐ Brats/sausages

☐ Chicken

☐ Wings

☐ Buns

☐ Cheese

☐ Condiments

☐ Chips

☐ Salsa/queso

☐ Deli platter

☐ Fresh vegetables

☐ Drinks

☐ Ice