The Ultimate CanCooker Tailgating Checklist

Elevate Your Tailgating Game with CanCooker

Tailgating is more than just a pre-game ritual—it’s a chance to gather with friends and family to celebrate great food, good company, and your favorite team. Elevating your tailgating experience is simple when you bring CanCooker into the mix. With its ability to cook a variety of dishes quickly and easily, the CanCooker is a game-changer for outdoor cooking. Whether you're preparing tender pulled pork, hearty chili, or savory wings, CanCooker simplifies the process and ensures delicious results every time. Tailgating with CanCooker not only adds a unique twist to traditional tailgate menus but also allows you to prepare crowd-pleasing meals on the spot.

Essential Tailgate Gear: What to Pack for Success

A successful tailgate starts with thoughtful planning and the right gear. Having everything organized and ready ensures that you’ll spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying the event. Here’s a breakdown of the must-have items to ensure a seamless tailgate:

CanCooker Cooking Essentials 

Your CanCooker is the star of the show, so make sure you’re prepared to cook efficiently and safely. Here’s what you’ll need:

• CanCooker (Original, Jr., or Companion): Depending on the size of your group, bring the CanCooker that fits your needs. The Original is perfect for feeding large groups, while the Jr. or Companion models are great for smaller gatherings.
• Heat Source: CanCooker works on a variety of heat sources, so be sure to bring the Multi-Fuel Cooktop. These portable options provide the consistent, controlled heat you need anywhere, anytime, for ideal results.
• Cooking Accessories: Don’t forget essentials like spatulas, tongs, and ladles to handle food safely. CanCooker’s foldable chicken rack and two-piece stainless steel rack are excellent accessories to bring along for efficient cooking.
• Seasonings and Spices: CanCooker offers a wide variety of seasoning options like the Original Creole Seasoning or Chili Lime Par-Tee Seasoning, ideal for enhancing the flavor of your dishes.

Cooling and Storage Solutions 

Keeping your food and beverages cold is high on the priority list (until and unless you are tailgating somewhere that’s so cold you even want your drinks to be warm). Here’s what you’ll need:

• Coolers: Bring separate coolers for food and drinks that taste better cold, or preserve your raw ingredients at food-safe temperatures until you heat up the CanCooker. Make sure your coolers are well-stocked with ice and ready to preserve perishable ingredients until you’re ready to cook.
• Storage Containers: Use airtight containers to store prepped ingredients, sauces, and sides. This will make cooking easier and keep your ingredients fresh.
• Ice Packs: In addition to ice, use reusable ice packs to maintain temperature and ensure items like meats and dairy products are stored safely.

Comfort Items for the Perfect Setup 

A great tailgate is about more than just the food—comfort is key when you're spending hours outdoors. Make sure to pack these items for a comfortable and enjoyable experience:

• Folding Chairs and Tables: Create a comfortable seating area where your group can relax, eat, and enjoy the atmosphere. Portable tables are also essential for food prep and serving.
• Shade and Shelter: Canopies or umbrellas provide much-needed protection from the sun or unexpected rain, allowing you to tailgate in comfort no matter the weather.
• Blankets or Portable Heaters: If you're tailgating in colder months, pack blankets or portable heaters to keep everyone warm and cozy as the temperatures drop.

With CanCooker and the right gear, your tailgating party is bound to be a success, providing a stress-free and delicious experience for everyone involved.

Staying Warm as the Weather Cools Down

As the fall football season progresses, cooler temperatures can be a challenge, but they shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a great tailgate. Here are some tips to help you and your guests stay cozy:

• Warm Drinks: Serve hot beverages like cocoa, coffee, or mulled cider to keep everyone warm. Consider bringing insulated thermoses to ensure the drinks stay hot throughout the day. For an extra treat, add seasonal flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, or caramel.
• Portable Heaters or Fire Pits: If your tailgate location allows, consider setting up a portable heater or a small, safe fire pit to create a warm gathering space. 
• Layered Clothing: Dressing in layers is key to staying comfortable in fluctuating temperatures. Encourage your guests to bring jackets, hats, scarves, and gloves to bundle up as the weather cools down. Blankets are also a great addition for extra warmth.
• Warm, Hearty Food: Serving hot, comforting dishes like soups, stews, and chili will help keep everyone warm and satisfied. These meals are not only filling but also hold their heat well, making them perfect for cold-weather tailgates.
• Hand Warmers: Stock up on disposable hand warmers, which are a quick and easy way for your guests to warm up their hands and feet.
• Wind Protection: If the weather is windy, consider bringing a pop-up tent or shelter with side panels to block the wind. This will create a more comfortable space for guests to eat and socialize.

By planning ahead and incorporating these tips, you’ll keep the cold at bay and ensure that everyone enjoys the tailgate—even when temperatures drop.

Tailgate Menu Ideas: CanCooker Recipes to Wow the Crowd

When it comes to tailgating, the food is just as important as the game itself. With CanCooker, you can create mouthwatering dishes that are easy to prepare and serve, making your tailgate party a hit with friends and family. Below are some of the best CanCooker recipes that will leave your guests coming back for more:

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Baby Potatoes

This savory recipe combines tender chicken thighs with buttery, seasoned baby potatoes for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with flavor. The paprika and CanCooker Onion Pepper Seasoning blend perfectly with the garlic, while a hint of lemon and Sriracha adds a zesty kick. Cooked in your CanCooker for 30 minutes, the chicken is juicy and the potatoes come out tender and delicious. Serve it straight from the CanCooker for an easy, shareable meal that’s sure to impress.

Recipe Here

Cheddar Hashbrown Soup

For cooler tailgating days, a comforting bowl of Cheddar Hashbrown Soup is just what your guests need. This creamy, cheesy soup combines hearty russet potatoes with sharp cheddar, bacon bits, and cream cheese, making it the ultimate warm-up dish. Cooked in your CanCooker for just under an hour, this soup is easy to prepare and serve, perfect for feeding a hungry crowd during halftime.

Recipe Here

Scalloped Potato & Ham Soup

This hearty dish is a perfect blend of potatoes, ham, and melted cheddar cheese, all brought together in a rich, creamy base. The addition of Dijon mustard and beer increases the soup's depth of flavor. Cook it in your CanCooker, and in about 35 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to satisfy your tailgate guests.

Recipe Here

Chicken Noodle Soup

Nothing says comfort food like Chicken Noodle Soup, and this recipe takes it to the next level with rich chicken broth, tender noodles, and hearty vegetables. Cooked with boneless chicken thighs, it’s a filling and flavorful option that’s perfect for cooler game days. Make a big batch in your CanCooker and keep everyone warm and happy as they gather around for a bowl of this tailgate classic.

Recipe Here

Mexican Chorizo and Turkey Chili

For a spicy twist on a tailgate favorite, try Mexican Chorizo and Turkey Chili. The combination of chorizo, turkey, chipotles, and cumin creates a bold and flavorful chili that’s perfect for sharing. Serve it with tortilla chips for added crunch and a lime wedge for a citrusy finish. This one-pot wonder is easy to cook and clean up, making it ideal for game day.

Recipe Here

Creamy Chipotle Shrimp

If you want to offer something a little different, Creamy Chipotle Shrimp is the way to go. This dish combines tender shrimp with smoky chipotle sauce and a touch of cream, creating a rich, flavorful meal. Cooked in your CanCooker and ready in just minutes, it’s an easy and impressive option for seafood lovers at your tailgate.

Recipe Here

German Brat Seafood Boil

For a tailgate feast with a twist, try the German Brat Seafood Boil. Bratwurst, cod, corn, and potatoes are steamed together in beer with CanCooker Original Creole Seasoning, making for a savory, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor. It’s the ultimate party dish, and since everything is cooked in the CanCooker, cleanup is a breeze.

Recipe Here

Tips for Cooking on the Go with CanCooker

Tailgating is best when it is both simple and fun, so when it comes to cooking, the easier it is to make and the quicker to clean up, the better. CanCooker allows you to cook large meals quickly and easily while keeping things stress-free. Here are some tips to make cooking on the go even easier:

• Prep Ahead: Prepare and chop all ingredients ahead of time, storing them in airtight containers or bags. This will save you time and hassle when you’re at the tailgate.
• Layering is Key: When using the CanCooker, always layer your vegetables first, followed by your meats, and then add your liquid. This ensures even cooking and perfect results every time.
• Use the Right Tools: Bring along tongs, spatulas, and a ladle for easy serving. CanCooker’s folding rack makes cooking and cleanup even simpler.

Choosing the Right Heat Source

CanCooker is designed to be incredibly versatile, working on a wide range of heat sources, from a campfire to your kitchen stove. Choosing the right heat source ensures that your meals cook evenly and efficiently:

• Multi-Fuel Cooktop: Perfect for portability, Seth McGinn’s Multi-Fuel Cooktop can run on propane or butane, making it a reliable option for successful tailgating.
• Charcoal or Wood Fire: If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can place the CanCooker over a charcoal or wood fire. Just be sure to use low-to-medium heat.

Efficient Setup and Cleanup

Tailgating is about having fun, and the last thing you want is a complicated setup or long cleanup. With CanCooker, both are a breeze:

• Easy Setup: Set up your CanCooker on a stable surface and make sure you have all your ingredients and tools nearby. Since CanCooker works with so many heat sources, you can adapt to whatever setup works best for your tailgate location.
• Simple Cleanup: Thanks to CanCooker’s non-stick coating, cleanup is quick and easy. A light spray of cooking oil before you start will help to ensure that food doesn’t stick, and when you're done, simply wash with soap and water or steam-clean by adding an inch of water and bringing it to a steam, loosening and stuck-on pieces of food for an easier clean up.

With these tips, your CanCooker experience at your tailgate will be smooth, efficient, and delicious!

Fun Tailgating Activities to Enhance the Experience

While the food is often the star of the tailgate, keeping your guests entertained is key to creating a memorable experience. In between bites of Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Baby Potatoes or Cheddar Hashbrown Soup, here are some activities to keep the fun going:

• Cornhole: This tailgating classic is easy to set up and fun for all ages. Bring along a portable cornhole set and organize a friendly competition.
• Ladder Toss: Another tailgating favorite, ladder toss is a simple yet challenging game that provides hours of entertainment.
• Football Toss: What better way to get in the game-day spirit than by tossing around a football with friends? Set up an area where people can pass the ball.
• Tailgate Trivia: Test your guests' knowledge of your favorite team or general sports trivia. You can prepare a trivia game in advance and offer small prizes for the winners to raise the competition and keep everyone engaged.

Tailgating Safety and Cleanup

Hosting a successful tailgate party isn’t just about fun—it’s also important to keep safety and cleanliness in mind to ensure everyone has a good time. Follow these safety and cleanup tips for a smooth tailgating experience:

Safety Tips:

• Cook Safely: Always use your CanCooker on a stable, flat surface away from flammable materials. The CanCooker works on a variety of heat sources, but make sure you’re controlling the heat, especially when cooking on open flames or grills.
• Proper Food Handling: Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw and cooked foods separate. Use a food thermometer to ensure meats like chicken and pork are cooked to the appropriate temperature.
• Stay Hydrated: Tailgating often involves hours outside, so keep plenty of water available for guests to stay hydrated, especially if it’s hot. It’s easy to forget about hydration when beer is flowing, but it’s essential to have water on hand.

Cleanup Tips:

• Disposable Tableware: Using disposable plates, cups, and utensils will make cleanup faster and easier. Be sure to bring plenty of trash bags to dispose of used items properly.
• Wipes and Sanitizer: Keep your area tidy and hygienic by packing paper towels and wet wipes. This makes it easy for guests to clean up before and after eating.
• Quick CanCooker Clean-Up: CanCooker’s non-stick surface makes it incredibly easy to clean. After cooking, fill the CanCooker with an inch of water and bring it to a steam to loosen any stuck-on food, making cleanup fast and hassle-free.

Host Your Best Tailgate Party with CanCooker

Tailgating is about bringing together good food, good friends, and great fun—all while building excitement for the big game. With CanCooker, you can take your tailgating experience to the next level, making it easy to cook delicious meals on the go. Whether you’re serving up Mexican Chorizo and Turkey Chili, Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Baby Potatoes, or Scalloped Potato & Ham Soup, CanCooker allows you to prepare flavorful dishes that impress your guests without the stress of complicated cooking.

If you don’t have a CanCooker yet, now’s a great time to get one. It’s an ideal tool for outdoor cooking, whether you're tailgating, camping, or just enjoying a backyard barbecue. With its versatility and ease of use, CanCooker will quickly become your go-to for crowd-pleasing meals, no matter the occasion. Get your CanCooker today and elevate your next tailgate party!