5 Must Try Texas BBQ Recipes Every Dallas Cowboys Fan Needs This Tailgate Season

Fire up your grill with 5 mouthwatering Texas BBQ recipes perfect for every Dallas Cowboys fan this tailgate season. Score big on flavor this game day!

Tailgate season in Texas hits different, especially when you’re a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. There’s just something about the smoky aroma of brisket in the air, the roar of the crowd echoing from AT&T Stadium, and a plate full of BBQ goodness that makes game day sacred. I’ve spent years perfecting my tailgate spread, and let me tell you nothing brings people together quite like some authentic Texas BBQ.

Whether you're posted up in the AT&T Stadium parking lot or firing up your backyard grill at home, these five must try recipes are guaranteed to make you the MVP of tailgate season. And trust me, as a native Texan and lifelong Cowboys fan, I wouldn’t steer you wrong.

Looking for more ways to prep for game day? Check out our Tailgate Party Checklist.

1. Smoked Brisket the Texas Way

If you ask anyone in Texas what defines BBQ, the answer is always brisket. True Texas brisket is all about the bark, the smoke ring, and that tender slice that practically melts in your mouth.

Pro tip: Go for a full packer brisket (both flat and point). Rub it down with a simple mix of coarse black pepper and kosher salt, no sugar needed. Smoke it low and slow over post oak wood for about 12–14 hours. Let it rest at least an hour before slicing.

Want to learn from the best? Don’t miss this guide by Texas Monthly BBQ.

I still remember the first time I nailed the perfect brisket bark. It felt like winning a playoff game.

2. Cowboy Jalapeño Sausage Links

These aren’t your average store bought sausages. We’re talking smoky, spicy, and loaded with jalapeño kick that screams Texas flavor.

Grill 'em until they get that beautiful char and serve with mustard and pickles. Pro move: slice them into coins and serve with toothpicks for an easy grab and go snack.

You haven’t truly tailgated in Dallas until you’ve shared a sausage link with a stranger turned friend wearing the same jersey.

Want to master your own sausage blend? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Texas BBQ Rubs & Sausages.

3. Sticky Bourbon BBQ Ribs

Ribs are the crowd pleaser, hands down. And when you baste them in a homemade bourbon BBQ sauce? Game over.

Start with St. Louis style ribs. Dry rub them with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Wrap them in foil after two hours on the smoker, then finish unwrapped with that sticky bourbon glaze.

The sweet, smoky, slightly boozy finish is a touchdown in every bite.

Need help with sauces? Our BBQ Sauce Recipe Roundup has you covered.

4. Pulled Pork Sliders with Pickled Slaw

Pulled pork sliders are portable, juicy, and perfect for sharing. Cook your pork shoulder low and slow with a vinegar based mop sauce. Pile it high on soft buns and top with crunchy pickled slaw.

I like to prep these the night before a big game, they reheat beautifully and disappear faster than a fourth quarter lead.

Looking for smoker tips? Check this Smoker Buying Guide by AmazingRibs.

5. Spicy Smoked Chicken Wings with Ranch

No tailgate is complete without wings. These get their flavor from a dry rub of chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and brown sugar.

Smoke ‘em until crisp, then toss in your favorite hot sauce or leave them dry for the purists. Cool them off with a side of homemade ranch.

At every tailgate, I watch these vanish within minutes. That’s the power of perfectly smoked wings.

Bonus: Tailgating Like a True Cowboys Fan

Bring lawn chairs, team flags, a speaker bumping George Strait, and plenty of cold beer. Respect the tailgate code: share your food, keep the vibes high, and never run out of napkins.

Want to level up? Add cornhole boards, bring an extra grill for hot dogs, and always have extras because there’s no such thing as too much BBQ on game day.

For full stadium rules and tailgating zones, visit the official Cowboys Tailgating Page.

FAQs

How do I store leftover brisket or pork?
Wrap tightly in foil and store in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
What wood is best for Texas style smoking?
Post oak is king in Central Texas, but hickory or pecan also work great.
Can I prep everything the night before?
Absolutely. Brisket and pulled pork especially benefit from resting overnight.
Do I need a smoker to make these?
Not necessarily! You can use a gas grill with a smoker box, or even the oven in a pinch.

Final Whistle

Look, tailgating is more than just pre game. It’s tradition, it’s family, it’s Texas pride and nothing ties it all together like Texas BBQ.

So whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned smoker, these recipes are your playbook to winning over tastebuds this season. Fire up the pit, rep your blue and silver, and let’s make every game day a celebration of flavor and football.