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Mercedes is Snackpicks' Frugal Blogger and shares her tips to save money all year round, no matter what the occasion. She is a Certified Public Accountant with a MBA and became a stay-at-home mom after having her first of three beautiful children. Her passion is helping people live better while not only spending less money but also saving money. Mercedes owns and runs the frugal blog, Common Sense with Money.

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Football Tailgate Money Saving Tips

Thinking of tackling a tailgate party? Here is my winning list of money and time saving tailgate recipes to help you score a touchdown with your guests.

Inexpensive Recipes for your Football Tailgate

Want some inexpensive appetizers that will please a crowd? Try out these budget friendly recipes that will satisfy your hungry crowd.

Game Day Guacamole

What a showstopper! Everybody will be talking about this one, so feel free to use it as a centerpiece. Save money by making this easy guacamole at home from scratch. Or if you are looking to save time try picking up ready-made guac like Wholly Guacamole. It will still taste great but just take less time.

Easy BBQ Bites

I love this recipe for two reasons: it saves you both money and time. It’s a money saver because it allows you to serve meat as an appetizer, not as main dish. And it’s a time saver because you can make this recipe in just 5 minutes!

On-a-Stick Chicken Strips

The paprika and Parmesan cheese combination provides a great flavor and it is a very economical recipe. You can probably get a few chicken strips out of a chicken breast, which is a great way to stretch your dollars. I like to serve with a with honey mustard dipping sauce. Yum!

Tex-Mex Bean Dip

What is not to love about this Tex-Mex bean dip? The salsa, cilantro and lime juice will wake up your taste buds and make your mouth water. Using beans, a very inexpensive ingredient, as the main source of protein in this dip saves you a lot of money.

Tailgate Dessert Recipe Ideas

Keep dessert simple yet fun and delicious. Two of my favorite desserts for tailgates are Home Team Rice Krispies Treats ™ and Fudge Layered Bars with these two recipes.

Home Team Treats™

Home Team Treats™ are ready-made Rice Krispies Treats™ that you simply decorate with frosting in your home team’s colors and it’s a fun activity to complete with your kids.

Fudge Layered Bars

Fudge Layered Bars are another easy dessert recipe you can make in advance and they are sure to be a hit. Although you need to be careful, they may not make it all the way to the tailgate party.

These recipes have all the elements that make a tailgate party menu successful: They are easy to make, you can make them ahead of time and they taste great! They also use budget-friendly ingredients that help you satisfy your guests for a lot less.