With the Homecoming game this weekend against Toledo, I’m here to help you make tailgating the best its ever been.

Seven Tailgating Staples

1. Games: Bring something for your group to do. Favorite activities are bags, pong, or even just a football to pass around.

2. Baby wipes: Perfect for messy hands or a spill on the table. Also, grab a roll of paper towels or napkins for clean up.

3. Table and/or chairs: Some fold-up chairs and a table for your food–bring a blanket in case you need extra seating!

4. Cyclone flag: You have to show your school spirit!

5. Cooler: Filled with your favorite drinks or food. Decorate this cooler with some great Cy stickers or paint!

6. Just-in-case fire extinguisher: Because you know, it could happen.

7. Food: One of the most important parts of a tailgate is the food. I’ve included a go-to tailgating recipe just for you!

Ham & Cheese Sliders Recipe

I made these sliders for tailgating two weeks ago and it worked out perfectly (they were also gone within 5 minutes). This super easy recipe is easy and works well for traveling.

What you need:

I like to use the Kings Hawaiian rolls because they are sweet and give the honey ham a little extra savory-ness. I got lost in HyVee, so for your sake, look for them in the bread aisle, not by the rolls. Also any cheese of your choice (I like provolone) and then ham–I chose honey ham for the sweet taste.

Next, you should take the rolls and cut them in half for the sandwiches, also break them apart so its easier to see when cutting later.

After that’s done layer the ham and cheese so it covers all the bread. Then top with the other half of the bun.

Heat your oven to 350 degrees and bake for 5 minutes (just enough to toast up and melt the cheese). Remember the chili dip recipe from last week? That’s also in the oven and a great take-along for tailgating as well.

Now you are all finished! Just cut along the creases so you grab one slider at a time. We put some mayo and other toppings for the sliders into our beer cooler. Just so happens that the sliders and Red Apple Ale go amazing together, or just some apple cider for those of us who aren’t 21.

If you buy those throw-away tinfoil pans at HyVee, the one I got came with a lid, perfect for bringing to the tailgate without smashing the sandwiches. Just wait for the pan to cool down and you are set to go!