Tailgate Snacks: The No-Cook Pickle Spread for Football Season

Fall Saturdays mean college football, a folding table in a parking lot, and a grill that somebody always forgets to bring the lighter for. The one tailgate snack that never needs a flame, a cooler slot or a serving spoon? Pickles.

A row of jars on the tailgate does three jobs at once: a cold, crunchy snack between burgers, a topping bar for brats and dogs, and a conversation starter when the rival fans wander over. Here is how to build the spread, which jars to bring, and why ours are the ones worth packing.

Why [PICKLES] jars beat the grocery-store tub

• Real crunch. Every jar is handcrafted in small batches in our Atlanta kitchen with Georgia-grown cucumbers, so the spears snap instead of flopping.
• Something for everyone. 40+ flavors across sour, spicy and sweet, from mild dill to The Ghost Pickle.
• Easy on the whole crew. Gluten-free and vegan, with no dyes and 90% less sodium than leading brands*.
• Award-winning. Our pickles have won a Good Food Award and Flavor of Georgia. Bring a jar with a story.

Curious how small-batch jars compare to mass-produced ones? See small-batch vs mass-produced pickles.

The five-jar tailgate spread

1. The burger and brat jar: The Dill Chips

Chips stack flat on a burger and stay put on a bun. The Dill Chips are crisp, salty and zesty, and they are the first thing people reach for when the grill opens.

2. The finger-food jar: The Kosher Dill Spears

Spears are the easiest pickle to grab with one hand while holding a drink in the other. The Kosher Dill Spears are robust and garlicky with black peppercorns, built for hot dogs and smoked sausage.

3. The sweet heat: The Heat and Sweet

The Heat and Sweet is made with red jalapeños (never green), so it brings real heat wrapped in sweetness. Spoon it over brats or pulled pork and watch the jar disappear. The full story is in why we use red jalapeños.

4. The Southern one: The Spicy Okra

Nothing says Southern tailgate like pickled okra. The Spicy Okra is a 3 out of 5, made with chili flakes and habanero, and it doubles as a Bloody Mary garnish for the early kickoff. Prefer no heat? The Zesty Okra is tangy and herby. Compare them in our pickled okra guide.

5. The dare jar: The Ghost Pickle

Every tailgate has one person who says nothing is too hot. Hand them The Ghost Pickle, our only 4 out of 5 and the one that stings. Everything you need to know is in our Ghost Pickle guide, and the whole lineup is on the heat scale.

Pickle shots for the pregame

The pickle-back and the straight brine shot are tailgate traditions. The Pickle Juice (16 oz) is our signature brine with herbs, garlic and spices, ready to pour. Vinegar brine naturally contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium, and a pickle-brine shot is a classic salty sip after a workout or a long day in the sun. For the Bloody Mary crowd, The Pickle Brine is tomato-kissed and made for mixing. More ideas: 5 ways to use pickle juice.

What goes on the table next to the jars

• Off the grill: burgers, brats, hot dogs and smoked sausage, all better with a chip or a spoon of Heat and Sweet on top.
• From the bag: kettle chips, pretzels and a tub of dip.
• From the cooler: pepper jack and sharp cheddar cubes next to the spicy jars.

Hosting the big game at home instead? Our game day snack guide has the living-room version.

Shop the tailgate

Order a week or two before the big game, since every jar is handcrafted to order. US shipping is free on 2+ jars, and if you spend $150 a jar is on us. Build Your Pickle Box lets you pick every jar on this list yourself.

Build Your Pickle BoxPick your own tailgate lineup: 2, 3 or 6 of 40+ flavors.Shop · $45.00The Blazing BoxThe Jalapeños, The Hot Pickle and The Ghost Pickle.Shop · $65.00The Heat and SweetRed jalapeño heat, wrapped in sweet. Made for brats.Shop · $16.95The Pickle JuiceOur signature brine, bottled for the pregame shot.Shop · $16.95

Give the superfan a season of pickles

Know someone who never misses a home game? The [PICKLES] CLUB sends six curated jars every month at 15% off, so they are stocked for every Saturday. See what arrives in our Pickle of the Month Club guide. For a one-time gift, the 3-Jar Pickle Party Pack or 6-Jar Gift Box ships gift-ready.

Tailgate pickle FAQ

Do pickles need to stay cold at a tailgate?

Unopened jars are shelf-stable for up to two years, so they travel fine at room temperature. Once a jar is open, keep it in the cooler between rounds and refrigerate it when you get home.

How many jars do I need for a tailgate?

For a crew of 8 to 12, three to five 17 oz jars covers snacking and burger toppings. Add one more if you are also making pickle shots.

Which jars are not spicy?

The Dill Chips, The Kosher Dill Spears, The Vintage, The Zesty Okra and The Bread and Butter have no heat. Anything named "Spicy" is a 3 out of 5, and The Ghost Pickle is a 4 out of 5.

Can I ship pickles to a tailgate host?

Yes. Send a Blazing Box or a 3-Jar Gift Box straight to them. The packing slip has no prices on it.

*Per 1 oz serving vs. leading national dill pickle brands. Details.