Picture it: the air is crisp, the jerseys are out, and your grill is calling. Tailgate season is right around the corner! Whether you’re grilling in the stadium parking lot or your own backyard, the right lineup of meats can truly make your tailgate. At Gartner’s, we’ve got everything you need for the perfect game day tailgate.
1. Brats and Sausages
No tailgate is complete without some delicious brats or smoked sausages. Choose your favorites from our wide selection, from classic beer brats to XXX Infernos.
Prep Tip: Our smoked sausages are fully cooked – they only need to be warmed up on the grill, making them the perfect, simple game day meal.
2. Marinated Chicken and Beef Kabobs
Packed with flavor and ready to grill, our marinated chicken and beef kabobs are a tailgate favorite.
Prep Tip: Keep them in a sealed container with the marinade until you’re ready to grill. If traveling, layer them in a disposable aluminum pan so they’re ready to go straight onto the heat.
3. Marinated Short Ribs
Tender, flavorful, and marinated to perfection, our marinated short ribs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Prep Tip: These thin-sliced ribs only need a couple minutes on the grill per side until they’re cooked to perfection.
4. Pulled Pork
Juicy, slow-cooked pulled pork is the ultimate tailgate comfort food.
Prep Tip: Make it the night before in your slow cooker or smoker, then store in a disposable roasting pan. Reheat gently on the grill or camp stove at your tailgate with a splash of BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
5. Steak Bites
Bite-sized, tender, and perfect for snacking between plays, steak bites are a fan favorite.
Prep Tip: Marinate them the night before and thread onto skewers for easy grilling. Bring them in a sealed container and cook quickly over high heat for a perfect sear.
6. Pepperoni and Jerky
For those moments when you need a quick grab-and-go snack, our pepperoni sticks and jerky are the perfect option.
Prep Tip: No prep needed, just toss them into your cooler or snack bag and enjoy any time during the game.
Final tailgating tip:
Do as much as possible ahead of time – marinate, pre-cook, and pack in disposable pans for easy cleanup. Don’t forget a cooler with plenty of ice to keep everything fresh until it’s time to grill!
Swing by Gartner’s Meat Market before your next game day to stock up on all your tailgate essentials. From hearty mains to quick snacks, we’ve got you covered, because every great game day starts with great meat.