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27 Easy Ballpark Recipes That Are All A Grand Slam

No peanuts and Cracker Jacks on this list.

By
sonoran hot dogspinterest
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: RILEY WOFFORD

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.

1

Beer Cheese

beer cheese in a black pot topped with chives, surrounded with soft pretzels
PHOTO: JOSEPH DE LEO; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

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.

2

Chipotle Pulled Pork

chipotle pulled pork
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER, FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

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.

3

Homemade Lemonade

homemade lemonade with lemon slices
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

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.

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4

Sonoran Hot Dog

sonoran hot dogs
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING: RILEY WOFFORD

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.

5

Copycat Klondike Bars

copycat klondike bars
PHOTO: ERIK BERNSTEIN; FOOD STYLING:MAKINZE GORE

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.

6

French Fry Board

french fry board with condiments
Erik Bernstein

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.

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7

Kettle Corn

kettle corn, sweet and salt popcorn, homemade kettle corn
LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY

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.

8

Frozen Cherry Coke Slushies

cherry coke blended frozen slushies topped with a lime wedge and maraschino cherry
PHOTO: JULIA GARTLAND; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

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.

9

Homemade Soft Pretzels

homemade soft pretzels
ERIK BERNSTEIN

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.

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10

Nachos

nachos supreme   delishcom
Parker Feierbach

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.

11

Grilled Beer Brats

grilled beer brats
Andrew bui

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.

12

Loaded Fries

crinkle fries on a sheet pan topped with melted cheese, bacon, ranch, and banana peppers
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: MAKINZE GORE

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.

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13

Fruit Popsicles

strawberry fruit popsicles
PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: ERIKA JOYCE

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.

14

Chicago-Style Hot Dogs

chicago style hot dog
Joel goldberg

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.

15

Nacho Cheese

nacho cheese
Parker Feierbach

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.

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16

Easy Churros

churros on a platter with chocolate dipping sauce
PHOTO: RYAN LIEBE; FOOD STYLING: ADRIENNE ANDERSON

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.

17

Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders

cornflake crusted chicken tenders dipped in honey mustard
PHOTO: ROCKY LUTEN; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

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.

18

Veggie Burgers

veggie burger topped with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and chipotle mayo on a wood board
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: TAYLOR ANN SPENCER

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.

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19

Boozy Sour Watermelon Slushies

boozy sour watermelon slushies
ANDREW BUI

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.

20

Caramel Popcorn

caramel popcorn
Andrew Bui

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.

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