27 Easy Ballpark Recipes That Are All A Grand Slam
Baseball season is one of the most delicious times of the year, but between the tickets, the beers (or ice cream), and the requisite hot dogs at the stadium, it can also be a pretty expensive time of the year, too. So we say, why not bring the stadium home with some ballpark-approved recipes? This isn't all peanuts and Cracker Jacks either – we've got all the best burgers, nachos, and treats (like caramel corn and copycat Klondike Bars) you'll need this season to root for your favorite team all the way until the World Series.
Is it really a day at the ballpark if you don't get a juicy hot dog with all your favorite toppings? We think not, so don't leave things up to chance. Make sure you've got your hot dogs on lock (or better yet, do a hot dog board!) Some of our favorite hot dogs (that go beyond just ketchup and mustard) include the iconic Chicago-style hot dog (especially for the Cubs and White Sox fans), a Sonoran hot dog (for the Dodgers, Angels, and Padres fans), or something everyone will like, like some vegan chili dogs, corn dogs, and grilled beer brats. More of a burger person? We've got plenty of ways to top a burger, as well as an ultra clever french fry board and loaded fries that'll round out your spread.
Whatever you do, don't forget the drinks and treats! Homemade frozen Cherry Coke slushies are the best of both worlds, but we are not opposed to these boozy watermelon sour slushies when we really want to take the meal into Home Run territory.
Beer Cheese
Warm, creamy dips are required on any game day, but if you really want to start the party, put out a pot of beer cheese. Spiked with lager and Dijon mustard, this smooth and glossy cheese dip will be devoured by fans everywhere.
Get the Beer Cheese recipe.
Chipotle Pulled Pork
Chipotle chiles add a smoky heat to a classic pulled pork sandwich. This would be the biggest hit at your game day get-together or a great way to spice up a potluck gathering while still being easy enough to serve for a regular dinner. This pulled pork is saucy and spicy, but the creamy coleslaw helps calm the heat. Pile it high on some hamburger buns or serve it in toasted tortillas for a change. Either way, this will be an instant win.
Get the Chipotle Pulled Pork recipe.
Homemade Lemonade
While we love adding fruity twists to this warm-weather drink, this recipe is our go-to when we’re looking for simple, classic, and ridiculously refreshing. If you usually go for picking up a container of Minute Maid, then you may be surprised by just how easy (and delicious) classic lemonade is to make at home. All you need is the perfect ratio of 3 simple, staple ingredients—plus water—to create this sweet-tart summer favorite, exactly how you like it.
Get the Homemade Lemonade recipe.
Sonoran Hot Dog
Our take on this Mexican-inspired hot dog is based off of versions made in Arizona where it's a standard—warm pinto beans, fresh jalapeño salsa, onion, tomato, mustard, and mayo. The split-top bun is essential to the look, but the hot dogs can be prepared on regular buns; you can simply split the tops yourself and load 'em up!
Get the Sonoran Hot Dog recipe.
Copycat Klondike Bars
This homemade version of the classic summer dessert comes together with a no-churn ice cream and a simple two-ingredient chocolate topping. One bite and the thin chocolate layer will shatter in your mouth, revealing the light vanilla ice cream inside. What more could you want on a hot day?
Get the Copycat Klondike Bars recipe.
French Fry Board
Forget charcuterie, we've found our newest obsession: French fry boards. You can fill them with whatever type of fries you like best. We just recommend a good variety. As for sauces, you can do better than just ketchup. Think: peri peri sauce, mango chutney, spicy mayo, and honey mustard!
Get the French Fry Board recipe.
Kettle Corn
Now you don’t have to wait for the carnival to come back to town! If you're new to this ballpark fave, kettle corn is popcorn that is cooked or mixed with sugar and salt instead of just salt. The combination makes for an perfectly sweet-salty treat that’s ideal for movie night, an afternoon sugar craving, or on the snack table at your next picnic or barbecue.
Get the Kettle Corn recipe.
Frozen Cherry Coke Slushies
This childhood favorite is peak 7-Eleven nostalgia in the best possible way. Frozen cherries are blended with Coke (both frozen into cubes and straight up) with a splash of lime juice for a surprisingly balanced and totally drinkable frozen drink. The optional addition of a little booze makes for the perfect poolside or patio pounder on a sunny afternoon.
Get the Frozen Cherry Coke Slushies recipe.
Homemade Soft Pretzels
Homemade soft pretzels are better than any concession stand pretzel you can find. Soft and pillowy, they are a dream for dipping in mustard or nacho cheese, or skip the pretzel salt and toss them in a little cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat!
Get the Homemade Soft Pretzels recipe.
Nachos
This end-all-be-all recipe is loaded with nachos supreme-inspired toppings—melty cheese, ground beef, two types of beans, and pickled jalapeños to name a few—but we use this as a jumping-off point to add all of our favorites. Switch it up with your favorite cheese and toppings to make this game day snack completely your own.
Get the Nachos recipe.
Grilled Beer Brats
Did you know? It takes almost zero cooking skills (you do have to know how to turn the grill on) to get perfectly charred brats topped with flavor-packed caramelized onions and peppers. First, the brats get charred on the grill. Then they finish off in a simmering beer bath alongside the veg. Use whatever beer you like to drink, but not IPAs (India Pale Ales), which are brewed to be hoppy (i.e. bitter).
Get the Grilled Beer Brats recipe.
Loaded Fries
A true legend in the game day appetizer hall of fame, these loaded fries are the simple, classic appetizer that you can turn to again and again. This recipe is not only topped with all of the staples you know and love (crispy bacon, melty cheese, and scallions), but we added a few extra special touches that truly make this app the MVP.
Get the Loaded Fries recipe.
Fruit Popsicles
In the heat of summer (or during a sunny baseball game), nothing satisfies quite like a fruit popsicle. This classic strawberry version is big on fruit flavor and not too sweet.
Get the Fruit Popsicles recipe.
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs
Chicago is as picky about hot dogs as New York is about pan pizza. The specific toppings are as important as the order in which they get layered. It's been "dragged through the garden," as the locals say, and we know you'll love it so very much.
Get the Chicago-Style Hot Dogs recipe.
Nacho Cheese
There is something so enticing about nacho cheese from concession stands: silky smooth, pleasantly tacky, clings to every chip, fry, and bite. Even if you aren't hungry, it's impossible to pass up. Now you can make it at home anytime the craving hits. We even dedicated a nacho casserole to the sauce! Serve this cheese with homemade chips, soft pretzels, or top your favorite nachos with it!
Get the Nacho Cheese recipe.
Easy Churros
We don't often feel like getting a deep fry going. But when you have an easy churro recipe this delicious, it's absolutely worth it. They only take a few minutes to fry and will actually still taste good at room temp, making them a great party dessert!
Get the Easy Churros recipe.
Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a kid-approved twist using chicken tenders, enter this cornflake-crusted chicken recipe. Perfectly sliced chicken is coated in a blend of crispy cornflake crumbs, and seasoned just right for the extra pop of flavor. The golden-brown exterior showcases the distinct texture of those crunchy cornflakes. These tenders aren’t just a meal; they’re an adventure on a plate.
Get the Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders recipe.
Veggie Burgers
Veggie burgers might seem like the obligatory vegetarian alternative at a grill-out, but that doesn’t mean they can’t taste glorious in their own right. Whether charred on the grill or cooked to caramelized perfection in a cast-iron pan, these veggie burgers will make even meat lovers decide to go meatless for a meal.
Get the Veggie Burgers recipe.
Boozy Sour Watermelon Slushies
For when you just can't get enough of arguably the best Sour Patch Kids flavor—watermelon! Feel free to infuse any of your favorite flavor of the candy in vodka too—you really can't go wrong.
Get the Boozy Sour Watermelon Slushies recipe.
Caramel Popcorn
Making from-scratch caramel corn couldn't be easier—no need to hit the ballpark for it. You start with popped popcorn and then make a simple caramel sauce by boiling butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup for a few minutes in a small saucepan. Pour that over the popcorn and toss until combined, then bake! Baking at a low temperature for about an hour is key to caramel corn with that irresistible crunch.
Get the Caramel Popcorn recipe.
Soft Pretzel Bites
Using canned biscuits to make pretzel bites is the best hack ever. The pretzels won't look gorgeous as they come out of the boiling water, but don't worry—they will brown and crisp up and be oh-so-beautiful when they come out of the oven!
Get the Soft Pretzel Bites recipe.
Best-Ever Burger
Whether you load yours up with all the burger toppings imaginable or prefer to keep it simple, the best cheeseburger first and foremost must nail the basics. We’re here to give you our recipe for the best burger possible, from the well-seasoned patty to the best cheese. Fire up the grill—our go-to recipe will be the base for your favorite burgers at cookouts all summer long.
Get the Best-Ever Burger recipe.
Cookies & Cream Ice Cream
As with all great cookies 'n' cream ice creams, this one has the perfect ratio of creamy vanilla ice cream to chunks of cookies. We used chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), but you could mix in an equivalent amount of cookie chunks (chocolate chip, perhaps?) for a different flavor.
Get the Cookies & Cream Ice Cream recipe.
Vegan Chili Dogs
We have to be honest, this meatless version might be better than meat-full chili dogs. Sure it's hard to replicate the snap of a true hot dog with plant-based ingredients, but this complex chili is world changing. You're going to want to put it on way more than just veggie dogs. We see chili mac, tamale pie, and plenty of chili fries in your future.
Get the Vegan Chili Dogs recipe.
Funnel Cake
No need to wait for baseball season to start to enjoy this tasty treat. We were shocked at just how easily these came together and taste like they came right from your favorite fair vendor. Try our Flamin' Hot Cheetos funnel cake next!
Get the Funnel Cake recipe.
Frito Pie
If you’re unfamiliar with this classic snack, let us set the record straight: these are more like a portable loaded chili (or taco) than a pie. We load ours up with homemade chili with ground beef, cheese, sour cream, and plenty of toppings. If you’re looking for an easy way to add some fun to your weeknight dinner or need a game day snack, then these staple portable meals are for you.
Get the Frito Pie recipe.
Classic Corn Dogs
No one can deny the crispy, slightly sweet, perfectly fried lure of a corn dog. Surprisingly, they're easy to make at home. The batter fries up quickly and super crispy. These will transport you right back to being a kid at a baseball game.
Get the Perfect Corn Dogs recipe.
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