Tailgating 101: Your Guide to Serious Tailgate Grilling

“ For beginners and seasoned pros alike, it’s always a good idea to brush up on your tailgating skills before hitting the game. It’s all about the food, the fun, and the experience — oh, and the quality grill, of course. Follow Otto’s tailgating guide to ensure the best grilling experience possible. ”

Rule #1: Keep it simple
Plan on an easy but delicious meal to get the most enjoyment possible out of your time. Think of easy tailgate food recipes like the burgers and steak sandwiches, finger food, and one-ingredient classics like pure and simple bacon strips. The easier the better – less mess and more time to enjoy.

Rule #2: Prepare in advance
The night before the big game, prepare your tailgate food: marinade your meat, pack jars full of condiments, skewer your raw shish kebabs, and prep extras like onions, bell peppers, lettuce, and mushrooms. Your preparations will pay off with an easy, quick, and enjoyable tailgate grill time. It will also significantly cut down on mess, you won’t have to bring a knife, and if you stick to finger food, you won’t even need utensils! (Don’t forget the napkins, though.) If you really want a gourmet tailgate experience, whip up some dips before game day too. Not only will your tailgate buddies will be impressed, but it'll rescue any overcooked food – though, you won’t have any grill fails when you fire up your Otto Grill. Tailgating guide tip: Remember to always at least salt your steak!

Rosemary steak

Rule #3: Have a full gas tank
Charcoal grills make for a smoky, messy tailgate. With the Otto Grill, you can keep everything in the bed of your truck – no moving, no hassle, no mess. Just make sure to check your gas tank (the one in truck and the propane one for your grill) before you leave the house!

Rule #4: Remember every moment
You're sure to make some great memories, so don't forget to take some photos!

Enter the Otto Wilde Tailgate Photo Contest! Share your tailgate photos with us at Otto Wilde by using #OTTOGATEGRILLING and you will automatically be entered to win a FREE Otto Wilde Hoodie on Super Bowl Sunday.

Here’s how it works:

1. Post your tailgating photos on Instagram with the hashtag #OTTOGRILLGATING

2. We'll repost our favorites on our own page — welcome to the Grill of Fame!

3. On Super Bowl Sunday, one winner will receive a FREE Hoodie

Tell your friends, and share as many photos as you want to increase your chance of winning! Whether you tailgate at home or at the big game, with an Otto Grill or without, we want to see you in your element.