Here’s a delicious and spirited tailgating menu for the upcoming K-State vs. Iowa State game in the fall of 2025:

Main Courses
• K-State Wildcat Chili: Hearty beef, beans, tomatoes, onions, and chili chowder—classic and warming
• Iowa State Salsa Steak Sandwiches: Grilled ribeyes with salsa?sour cream spread on hoagie buns—easy to prep and grill
• BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Slow?cooked pork shoulder with coleslaw—tailgate staple near Manhattan

Sides & Appetizers
• Grilled Bacon Wrapped Corn: Iowa style corn on the cob wrapped in bacon, brushed with ranch—an homage to Iowa harvest
• Spicy Edamame Pods: Perfect Midwest twist, skewered with chili seasoning
• Beef Pinwheels & Chili Cheese Dog Dip: Great nibblers from Kansas Farm Food’s playbook
• Jalapeño Poppers: Cream cheese?filled, bacon wrapped—universally loved

Cold Salads & Make Ahead Snacks
• Italian Pasta Salad: Keep it cold, fresh, and easy to serve
• Snack Mix & Kettle Corn: Sweet salty combos like Honey roasted peanuts, kettle corn—ideal for grazing
• Scotcheroos: Rice crispy treats with chocolate topping—grab and go Iowa favorite

Dips & Crowd Pleasers
• Million-Dollar Dip: Rich, cheesy, bacon-packed—crowd pleaser
• ** Buffalo Chicken Dip**: A Midwestern tailgate classic in a crockpot
• Rotel Sausage Dip: Southern hit with minimal effort

Dessert
• Seven Layer Bars (no bake!) or Pecan Pie: Simple sweet finishes, both portable and satisfying
• Grilled Donuts: Heat store bought donuts on the grill for that toasty goodness

Drinks
• Powercat Purple Punch (non?alcoholic): Grape/lemon soda, lemonade concentrate, blueberries—game day themed
• Iowa Old Fashioned: Bourbon + corn syrup tie in celebrating Iowa’s corn heritage
• (Optional) Black Magic Cocktail: For a spicy kick—bourbon, chili liqueur, cinnamon twist

Tailgating Tips
• Prep ahead: Dips, desserts, and sandwiches travel best if made the day before.
• Bring warming gear: Crockpots or insulated dispensers for chili/soup.
• Team spirit setup: Decor in purple/silver for K-State or cardinal/gold for ISU – tablecloths, plates, napkins
• Pack utensils & games: Cornhole, KanJam, plus essentials like serving spoons and plates.
This menu balances Midwest tradition, team pride, and easy prep—so you spend less time cooking and more time cheering. Good luck on game day!
