When football season is in full swing, few things rival the excitement of gathering with friends to cheer on your favorite team. But once the temps dip below freezing, tailgating at the stadium can lose its charm. The solution? Bring the party home. An At-Home Tailgating Party lets you stay warm, enjoy all the game day action, and savor all the best parts of tailgating: the food, the friends, and the football game!

So, what should be the star of your epic spread? Sliders! These mini-Burgers pack all the flavor of their full-sized counterparts while being endlessly customizable. With Schweid & Sons’ Signature Blend Sliders, you’ll be set to create a tailgate party that keeps everyone fueled for four quarters and then some.

Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to throw the ultimate at-home tailgating bash, complete with a slider bar, team-themed flavors, sides, drinks, and activities that keep the fun rolling no matter the final score.

Why Sliders Are Perfect for At-Home Tailgating

Sliders might be small, but they’re mighty when it comes to tailgating parties. Here’s why:

• Perfectly Shareable – Their smaller size makes them easy to enjoy alongside other snacks without weighing guests down.
• Endlessly Customizable – Guests can build them however they like, making a “slider stadium” the MVP of your food spread.
• Quick to Cook – Schweid & Sons’ Signature Blend Sliders cook up fast, so you can keep the food flowing throughout the game.
• Fun to Theme – Whether you’re celebrating your home team or facing off against rivals, you can create Sliders to match the teams playing.

Build-Your-Own Slider Bar

The simplest (and most fun) way to serve Sliders is to set up a DIY Slider bar. Start with perfectly cooked Schweid & Sons Signature Blend Sliders—juicy, tender, and deliciously flavorful thanks to a custom blend of brisket and chuck. Lay them out next to mini brioche buns, potato rolls, or even pretzel buns, and let your guests go wild.

Here are some of our favorite fall Burger toppings to consider:

• Cheeses – American, sharp cheddar, pepper jack, smoked gouda, or blue cheese crumbles.
• Veggies – Lettuce, tomato, pickles, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted peppers.
• Condiments – Ketchup, mustard, mayo, chipotle aioli, ranch, BBQ sauce, or sriracha.
• Extras – Bacon strips, avocado slices, jalapeños, or onion straws.

Pro Tip: Arrange everything in bowls or platters and label them with mini chalkboard signs so guests can easily navigate the bar.

Team-Themed Slider Ideas

Want to add a competitive edge to your spread? Create signature Sliders for each team playing. Not only is this a fun conversation starter, but it also lets guests show their loyalty through food. Here are some of our favorite recipes for tailgating parties to get you started:

• Texas Team Sliders – Try our smoked chili sloppy joe Sliders, or make mini versions of our BBQ onion ring Burgers or Southern BBQ Cheeseburgers.
• New England Team Sliders – There’s nothing more “New England” than a lobster roll, which is why mini lobster Burgers are a no-brainer!
• New York Team Slider – Recreate your favorite ‘za with our crispy pepperoni pizza Sliders, or top them with caramelized onions, Swiss cheese, and a smear of deli mustard.
• California Team Slider – Embrace California-style fusion cuisine with our gochujang crunch Sliders. You also can’t go wrong with Slider-sized California Burgers.
• Buffalo Team Slider – Take a page from our hot wings Burger recipe and toss the slider patty in buffalo sauce, top with creamy blue cheese crumbles, and add some celery slaw for a delicious crunch!
• Philly Team Slider – Make a mini version of our Philly cheesesteak Burger and top your Sliders with melted provolone with sautéed peppers and onions.

Encourage your guests to taste all team sliders, then “vote” with their bellies on who the true champion is.

Smashburgers vs. Sliders

Sliders should be your star, but a guide on tailgating party food wouldn’t be complete without mentioning another fan favorite: Smashburgers. These ultra-crispy, thin-griddled patties are a great option for those who like bold, beefy flavor in a bigger bite. You can even create a halftime “Smashburger showdown” alongside your Slider bar for variety.

That said, we think Sliders win the tailgating crown because they’re better for grazing and sampling multiple flavors—a big win when your guests want to keep snacking throughout the game.

Sides and Appetizers to Round Out the Spread

Sliders may take the lead role, but no tailgate is complete without a strong supporting cast of sides and apps. A good rule to follow: pick a mix of crunchy, creamy, and shareable bites, including some goodies for the vegetarians, too.

• Chips & Dips – Keep it classic with guacamole, salsa, queso, or buffalo chicken dip.
• Loaded Nachos – Bake a tray topped with cheese, jalapeños, black beans, and a drizzle of sour cream.
• Side Staples – Coleslaw, potato salad, or baked beans.
• Wings – A must-have for any game day gathering. Offer a couple of flavors like classic buffalo and honey BBQ.
• Potato Wedges or Fries – Serve with ranch and ketchup for dipping.
• Veggie Platter – Balance the richness with some crisp, fresh veggies and ranch dip.

Pro Tip: Make it easy on yourself by mixing homemade with store-bought—you don’t need to make every item from scratch to pull off an impressive spread!

Drinks That Keep the Party Going

You’ll need something refreshing to wash down all the yumminess, and we think the drinks should be as festive as your food. Stock a cooler or drink station so guests can help themselves:

• Beer Bucket – A mix of craft brews and light beers for variety.
• Signature Cocktails – Think Bloody Marys (great for early kickoffs), spiked lemonades, or a bourbon-spiked hot cider for cold days.
• Mocktails & Non-Alcoholic Options – Sparkling water, sodas, or themed mocktails (like a cranberry spritz) so everyone feels included. 

If you want to go all out, create a “Drink of the Game” with garnishes that match team colors.

Setting the Scene

At-home tailgating is about creating a game-day atmosphere that rivals the stadium. A few simple touches can make your living room feel like a true fan zone:

• Decor – Trick out your space with team flags, balloons, and tableware in team colors.
• Seating – Arrange couches and chairs so everyone has a view of the TV. Add bean bags or floor cushions for extra spots.
• Serving – Use slow cookers and warming trays to keep food hot without missing a play.
• Music – Kick things off with a Jock Jams playlist before the game starts.

Hosting Tips for Tailgating Success

A few pro hosting strategies will ensure your party runs smoothly:

• Prep Ahead – Cook a first round of Sliders before kickoff, then keep patties warm in the oven at 200°F. This way, the food is ready to go before your first guest even arrives!
• Delegate – Ask guests to bring their favorite sides, dips, or desserts. That way, you’re not stuck doing it all.
• Warm Up Your Buns – Lightly toast slider buns in the oven for a perfect soft-yet-sturdy bite.
• Make it a Tradition – Once you’ve hosted one at-home tailgate, chances are your friends will beg you to do it again. Rotate themes (like a “Sliders Showdown” where guests vote on their favorite flavor), or go big for championship games with extra sides and décor.

The Final Play: Sliders Win Every Time

Hosting an at-home tailgating party is the perfect way to keep the game day fun alive when stadium weather just won’t cooperate. With Schweid & Sons Signature Blend Sliders, you’ve got a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s versatile, delicious, and easy to serve. Pair them with a few sides, drinks, and games, and you’ve got everything you need for an unforgettable tailgate celebration right in your own living room.

Ready to host your own tailgate party? Stock up on Schweid & Sons Signature Blend Sliders and let the flavor take the win!

• Browse Schweid & Sons full product assortment here. 
• Shop your local grocers for Schweid & Sons using our store locator link here.
• Have you had a chance to subscribe to our email newsletter yet? It’s never too late to sign up!
• Share your best at-home tailgating tips with us by tagging @SchweidandSons or #SchweidandSons on Instagram!