Tailgate Upscale vs. Burgers and Brats: Elevating Your Game Day Feast

 

Tailgating is a beloved tradition that combines the excitement of sports with the joy of outdoor cooking and socializing. While classic burgers and brats are always a hit, there's something to be said for taking your tailgate spread to the next level with upscale offerings. Here’s a comparison of both approaches to help you decide how to elevate your game day feast.

Classic Tailgate: Burgers and Brats

Simplicity and Tradition:

• Ease of Preparation: Burgers and brats are straightforward to prepare and cook, making them ideal for tailgating. They require minimal prep work, and they cook quickly on the grill.
• Crowd-Pleasers: These staples are universally loved and easy to customize with various toppings and condiments, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy.
• Affordability: Burgers and brats are budget-friendly, allowing you to feed a large group without breaking the bank.

Essential Ingredients:

• Burgers: Ground beef patties, burger buns, cheese slices, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise.
• Brats: Bratwursts, hoagie or brat buns, sauerkraut, grilled onions, and mustard.

Big Poppa's Chili Cheeseburger

Cooking Tips:

• Grilling Burgers: Season the patties with salt and pepper, grill over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, and add cheese during the last minute of cooking.  Highly recommend using Big Poppa's Jallelujah Jalapeno Bacon.

• Grilling Brats: Pre-cook brats in beer or water to ensure they’re fully cooked, then grill over medium heat until they’re browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

Tailgate Upscale: Gourmet Offerings

Elevated Experience:

• Sophistication: Upscale tailgate foods can impress your guests with their creativity and gourmet flair. Think beyond the basics to offer unique and delicious options.
• Variety: Incorporating upscale dishes allows for a more diverse menu, accommodating various tastes and dietary preferences.
• Memorable: An upscale tailgate can create a memorable experience, making game day celebrations even more special.

Upscale Menu Ideas:

• Gourmet Sliders: Mini burgers with toppings like caramelized onions, blue cheese, arugula, and truffle aioli.
• Seafood Dish:  Elevate your game with Big Poppa's Coconut Shrimp & Lobster dish on a bed of fried rice.

• Stuffed Mushrooms:  Portobello mushrooms stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese, spinach, and parmesan, then grilled.
• Grilled Skewers: A variety of skewers such as pork tenderloin, shrimp, or chicken, marinated and grilled with vegetables.

• Artisan Sausages: Specialty sausages like apple and sage or spicy Italian, served with gourmet mustard and fresh-baked rolls.

Upscale Accessories:

• Charcuterie Board: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, nuts, and fresh fruit as a sophisticated appetizer.
• Gourmet Dips: Options like spinach and artichoke dip, smoked salmon dip, Big Poppa's 4 Layer Dip or truffle-infused cheese dip served with artisan bread and crackers.

Big Poppa's Layered Dip

• Desserts: Miniature desserts like chocolate mousse cups, fruit tarts, or gourmet s’mores kits.

Cooking Tips:

• Preparation: Many upscale dishes can be prepped ahead of time, allowing you to focus on grilling and assembling at the tailgate.
• Presentation: Use stylish platters, boards, and serving utensils to elevate the presentation of your food.

Whether you stick with the beloved classics of burgers and brats or decide to impress with an upscale menu, the key to a successful tailgate is good food, good company, and a fun atmosphere. Classic tailgate foods offer simplicity and nostalgia, while an upscale menu can provide a unique and memorable dining experience. Whichever route you choose, ensure your tailgate setup is comfortable and inviting, and most importantly, enjoy the game day festivities!