Football season is back, and that means weekends filled with big games, good friends and, of course, great food.
Whether you’re setting up outside the stadium or inviting the whole crew over to watch from the couch, no game day is complete without something hot off the grill.
And when you’re feeding a hungry crowd, keeping things simple is a win. BUBBA burgers go straight from freezer to grill, so you can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying the game.
From classic cheeseburgers to a burger inspired by loaded nachos, we’ve rounded up five game day burgers worth cheering for, plus easy prep tips and a tailgating checklist to make sure you have everything you need before kickoff.
Pick Your Starting Burger
Every great game day needs a solid starting lineup. These five game day burger recipes bring plenty of flavor to the field, whether you’re cooking in the parking lot or grilling at home.
1. The Classic Double Cheeseburger
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Sometimes you just can’t beat a classic. Two hot and juicy beef BUBBA burgers topped with melty cheese, thinly-sliced tomatoes, butter lettuce, and your favorite condiments. Serve it on a toasted bun for a cheeseburger that has all the familiar flavors you crave on game day.
It’s simple, satisfying and always a crowd favorite.
2. BBQ Bacon Crunch Burger
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Smoky, savory and packed with crunch, this burger was made for football season. Top your BUBBA burger with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, dill pickles, and fried onion rings, then finish it with your favorite BBQ sauce.
This is a game day burger that will have the crowd cheering before the game even starts.
3. Buffalo Chicken Wraps
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Bring everyone’s favorite game-day flavor to the party with these easy Buffalo Chicken Wraps. Juicy Chicken BUBBA burgers chopped and tossed with tangy Buffalo sauce and paired with blue cheese or ranch makes for the perfect handheld snack.
They’re easy to make and even easier to eat!
4. Sourdough BLTA Angus Burger
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Simple. Savory. Delicious.
Start with a beefy Angus BUBBA burger, then layer on crispy bacon, creamy avocado, fresh tomato and crisp green lettuce. Instead of a traditional bun, sandwich everything between slices of grilled sourdough bread.
The toasted sourdough adds an extra layer of crunch while avocado brings a creamy contrast to the savory burger and bacon.
5. Loaded Nacho Crunch Burger
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Can’t decide between burgers and nachos? Don’t.
The Loaded Nacho Crunch BUBBA burger brings two game-day favorites together in one seriously satisfying bite. Top an Original BUBBA burger with nacho cheese, lettuce, salsa, and guacamole, then add tortilla strips for the finishing crunch.
It’s everything you love about loaded nachos stacked on a hot, juicy burger.
Pregame Prep: Tailgate or Homegate?
Some fans want to be close enough to hear the stadium. Others prefer a great view of every play from the living room. Fortunately, BUBBA burgers are perfect for both.
Taking It to the Tailgate
When you’re cooking away from home, portability is everything. Do as much chopping, mixing and portioning as possible before you leave. Pack ingredients in the order you’ll need them, keep cold foods chilled and focus your menu so you aren’t trying to transport half the kitchen.
Bring only the grilling and serving equipment you know you’ll use, and don’t forget to plan for cleanup. A few minutes of organization at home can make everything easier once you reach the parking lot.
Our No-Fumble Tailgating Checklist
Nothing puts a flag on the fun quite like getting to the tailgate and realizing the spatula is sitting on your kitchen counter. Before you head out, run through this quick checklist.
Food & Drinks
BUBBA burgers
Burger buns or bread
Cheese and burger toppings
Condiments and sauces
Easy sides and snacks
Drinks and water
Ice
Grill Essentials
Grill
Fuel or propane
Spatula
Meat thermometer
Foil
Grill-safe trays or pans
Tongs and serving utensils
Serving & Cleanup
Plates
Napkins
Cups
Paper towels
Wet wipes
Trash bags
Food storage containers
Don’t Forget
Cooler
Folding table
Chairs
Bottle or can opener
Sunscreen
Extra ice
Save the list before you head out and give it one last look before pulling away. Your future tailgating self will thank you.
Hosting the Homegate
Watching from home gives you a few more options and room for creativity with your game day recipes, but that doesn’t mean you should spend the whole game in the kitchen.
Prep toppings and sides before your guests arrive and put drinks and snacks somewhere everyone can help themselves. Plan to have burgers ready around kickoff or save them for a halftime feast.
With most of the work handled early, you can get out of the kitchen, grab a plate and join everyone for the game.
The Final Whistle
At the end of the day, a great game day doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s about gathering your favorite people, firing up the grill and sharing food worth showing up hungry for.
Whether you’re grilling tailgating burgers outside the stadium or serving game day burgers from your own backyard, BUBBA burger makes it easy to enjoy something delicious without missing the action.
And regardless of the final score, juicy burgers during football season with your favorite people is always a win. You BUBBA Believe it!
