For all of you who tailgate without firing up a grill, you’re kind of ahead on the variety game because cold food menu choices are generally more varied and less predictable than, let’s say, BBQ ribs, a burger, or an Italian sausage on a bun.

One of the ways to do that is make-your-own food bars with amazing foods like Sloppy Joes that let everyone do their own thing.

Here are some suggestions:

• Sloppy Joes

  2 1⁄2 lbs. Ground Chuck Beef
  1 Tbsp. Butter Flavor Oil
  1 cup Vidalia Onions, diced
  1⁄2 cup Green Bell Peppers, diced
  1 Tbsp. Garlic Cloves, minced
  1⁄2 tsp. Cumin
  3⁄4 tsp. Chili Powder
  3⁄4 tsp. Paprika
  1 3⁄4 cup Heinz Brand Ketchup
  1⁄2 cup Water
  3 Tbsp. Yellow Salad Mustard
  2 Tbsp. Cider Vinegar
  2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar
  2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
  1⁄2 tsp. Dry Oregano
  2 drops Liquid Smoke
  Salt & Pepper, to taste

  Saute onion, peppers and garlic in butter oil.
  Add Ground Beef to vegetables and brown well. Drain off all excess liquids.
  Place drained beef mixture in pot and add all remaining ingredients. Simmer 30 minutes.
  Season to taste.

• Mexican Flauta Bar

  • 6” Soft Flour Tortillas
  • Fajita Mix
  • Chilled Beef Taco Mix
  • Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded Cheese
  • Sour Cream
  • Salsa

• Mini Bun Bar

  • Shaved Honey Ham
  • Chicken Salad
  • Shaved Roasted Beef
  • Sliced Grilled and Chilled Chicken Breast
  • Plus all the fixin’s: Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Onions and Condiments

• Stuffed Italian Sub Pitas or Antipasto Cup Bar

  • Choose either Pita Pockets to make pocket bread sandwiches or 6-oz. Clear Plastic Cups to make a snack meal in a cup.
  • Baked Honey Ham (Cubed)
  • Salami (Cubed)
  • Diced Tomato
  • American and Provolone Cheese, Cubed
  • Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
  • Pepperoncini
  • Mixed Olive Medley
  • Italian Dressing in a Squirt Bottle

• Traditional Caesar Salad Bar

  • In addition to freshly torn Romaine and Caesar Dressing, your buffet can include the following:
    • Grilled and Chilled Chicken Breast
    • Grilled and Chilled Salmon
    • Grilled and Chilled Shrimp
    • Grilled and Chilled Beef Sirloin or Tenderloin
    • Grilled and Chilled Italian Sausage
    • Diced Roma Tomato
    • Shaved Parmesan Cheese
    • Caesar Croutons

Enjoy!