Steeplechase Style Tailgate Recipes That Turn Heads

Jenny deRemer

Sep 10, 2025

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Steeplechase season isn’t just about the races—it’s a fabulous mix of fashion and food, where tailgate “stalls” become the ultimate style statement. After months of planning, these gatherings are anything but bourgeois; they’re a showcase of elegance and the absolute most mouthwatering recipes. From posh picnic setups that just might include packing your grandmother’s cherished Mottahedeh along for the pomp and circumstance, make YOUR tailgate the highlight of the event!

Table of Contents

Infused Water

Top view of eight colorful infused water glasses with a variety of fruits and herbs, including oranges, cucumbers, lemons, strawberries, limes, raspberries, blueberries, mint, and rosemary. A hand is reaching for one glass.
Infused Water. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Keep your hydration game strong with these 8 simple Infused Water recipes. When attending champagne-filled Steeplechase events, it’s essential to balance the bubbles with refreshing, flavored water. A pitcher of infused water, featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, adds elegance and flavor to plain water and keeps you feeling your best throughout the festivities.

Get This Recipe: Infused Water

Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Honey Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto has honey drizzled over top and is on a serving dish.
Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto. Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Savor the exquisite combination of Ricotta Crostini topped with peaches, prosciutto, sage, and a drizzle of honey. This elegant treat is ideal for outdoor events such as polo matches or steeplechase races, where tailgates are as much a highlight as the competition.

Get This Recipe: Ricotta Crostini with Peaches and Prosciutto

Creamy Cold Crab Dip

A bowl of food on a plate, with Cream and Crab dip.
Creamy Cold Crab Dip. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Experience the essence of simplicity with Creamy Cold Crab Dip featuring exquisitely fresh crab meat, brightened with hints of lemon and complemented by delicate chive accents. Served alongside a stylish arrangement of Captain’s Wafers, this appetizer combines minimalism with sophistication for a truly delightful bite.

Get This Recipe: Cold Crab Dip

Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream

Toasted bread slices topped with meat, cream sauce, chopped red peppers, capers, and parsley on a wooden plate.
Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream. Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Hosting a party can be easy with the right recipes and a bit of planning. Steak Tartines—also known as steak canapés or crostini—are an excellent choice. These versatile bites, made with small slices of bread and flavorful toppings, can be prepared in large batches and assembled fresh on-site in just minutes.

Get This Recipe: Steak Tartines with Red Peppers and Horseradish Cream

Filet Of Beef Carpaccio with Capers, Olive Oil and Pub Sauce

A decorative black and white plate filled with sliced rare beef, topped with capers and fresh parsley. Beside it, a smaller black and white plate holds slices of baguette. A folded green napkin and a fork are positioned between the plates.
Filet Of Beef Carpaccio. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Elevate your autumn outdoor event with this elegant hors d’oeuvre: make-ahead Filet of Beef Carpaccio, delicately seasoned and served with capers, a drizzle of olive oil, and a touch of pub sauce. This melt-in-your-mouth delicacy adds a touch of sophistication and flavor to any gathering.

Get This Recipe: Filet Of Beef Carpaccio

Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce

A hand dipping a boiled shrimp cocktail into a bowl of Louis sauce.
Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce is perfect for outdoor events, especially when served over a trough of ice to keep it chilled and fresh. This classic appetizer offers convenience and elegance, with Louis sauce adding sophistication with a blend of horseradish and up to ten additional savory ingredients.

Get This Recipe: Citrus Shrimp with Louis Sauce

Jarcuterie

A person holding a tray filled with appetizers in glass jars, including rolled meats, cheese, olives, and grapes. In the foreground, a wooden board with assorted cheese, olives, and nuts, along with a glass of white wine.
Jarcuterie. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

This appetizer recipe is more than just a trend! Jarcuterie, or single-serving charcuterie beautifully arranged in a jar, is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any Steeplechase gathering. Ideal for stylish parties, it brings a chic twist to your event’s presentation.

Get This Recipe: Jarcuterie

Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board filled with an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits (grapes, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced vegetables (carrots, cucumber), nuts, crackers, olives, bread, and small bowls of condiments on a wooden surface.
Charcuterie Board. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Create a timeless Charcuterie Board with an array of meats, cheeses, and complementary accessories. Tailor it to your needs, whether scaling up or down, and let your creativity shine through in the presentation. Think of the board as your canvas to craft a stunning centerpiece for any autumn equestrian event!

Get This Recipe: Charcuterie Board

Champagne and Roses Cocktail

Two glasses of clear sparkling wine, each garnished with a raspberry, are on a light-colored table. In the foreground, there is a white bowl filled with additional raspberries. Pink roses are faintly visible in the background.
Champagne and Roses Cocktail. Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

Delight your Steeplechase invitees with this charming Champagne and Roses Cocktail! It’s easy to prepare yet adds a touch of fun and sophistication to your event.

Get This Recipe: Champagne and Roses Cocktail

Ham Salad

A bowl of ham salad with a wooden spoon sits on a cutting board, surrounded by round crackers topped with ham salad. A small bowl of pepper-dusted mayo is on the side, along with a yellow cloth. Additional plain crackers are scattered around.
Ham Salad. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

A classic recipe that’s perfect for a historic celebration like Steeplechase, this Ham Salad Recipe offers a stylish way to transform leftover ham into delectable lunches, snacks, and picnic fare. It’s also an impressive party appetizer and makes for a splendid Ham Salad Sandwich.

Get This Recipe: Ham Salad

Fall Salad Recipe

A vibrant salad in a white bowl featuring mixed greens, pecans, diced apples, blue cheese crumbles, and what appears to be bacon and grilled chicken. A small cup of dressing is on the side. Blurred background includes an apple, utensils, and a checkered cloth.
Fall Salad Recipe. Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

Enjoy this Fall Salad Recipe with the best autumn flavors including apples, roasted squash, cheese, nuts, bacon, and a maple apple cider vinaigrette. Arrange it all on a shallow, long wooden platter for a vibrant and inviting tailgate centerpiece.

Get This Recipe: Fall Salad Recipe

Velvet Apple

A glass of dark apple cider with a frothy top sits on a coaster. Fresh red apples, one of which is cut in half, a bottle opener, and a red checkered cloth are in the background. The scene is arranged on a rustic surface.
Velvet Apple. Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

A quintessential autumn equestrian cocktail, the Velvet Apple is as simple as it is delightful. The roasted malt in the stout beer perfectly balances the sweetness of hard cider, creating a deliciously smooth drink for your Race Day tailgate festivities.

Get This Recipe: Velvet Apple

Caprese Sandwich

Four caprese sandwiches filled with mozzarella, tomato, and basil are placed on a round wooden cutting board. A small bowl of balsamic vinegar is next to the sandwiches. The board is sprinkled with salt and pepper, with fresh basil leaves as garnish.
Caprese Sandwich. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

This quick and easy sandwich recipe is ready in just 10 minutes. Caprese Sandwiches are a refined choice for any Steeplechase gathering, ideal for adding a touch of elegance to your event. The basil pesto aioli perfectly complements the fresh basil leaves, making this one of the most delightful sandwiches you’ll ever taste.

Get This Recipe: Caprese Sandwich

White Sangria

Top view of two glasses filled with a colorful beverage garnished with lemon, lime, and strawberry slices. Ice cubes are floating in the drink, and additional fruit slices and a blue cloth napkin are visible on a gray surface in the background.
White Sangria. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

Kick off the festivities with this elegant White Sangria. A pitcher of white wine sangria is the ultimate refreshing drink for a stylish gathering, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any event.

Get This Recipe: White Sangria

Dark and Stormy Sticky Toffee Pudding

Two small, cylindrical caramel drip cakes sit on white plates with golden forks, against a dark fabric background. The cakes have a rich, golden brown color and are topped with a glossy layer of caramel sauce that artfully drips down their sides.
Dark and Stormy Sticky Toffee Pudding. Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

If you’re a fan of the Dark and Stormy cocktail, you’ll adore this Sticky Toffee Pudding! This classic British dessert is elevated with spicy ginger and rich dark rum. Drizzle these melt-in-your-mouth moist cakes with a simple butter rum sauce for a memorably indulgent treat on Race Day!

Get This Recipe: Dark and Stormy Sticky Toffee Pudding

Caprese Pasta Salad

A white plate of orecchiette pasta topped with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves sits on a table. A fork rests on the plate's edge. Fresh basil leaves are scattered around, and a small dish with a spoon and red pepper flakes is next to the plate.
Caprese Pasta Salad. Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod.

Caprese Pasta Salad is pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella cheese. It is a flavorful choice which can be made in bulk to feed large crowds and provides satisfying substance, especially when enjoying cocktails at an outdoor event. This simple yet delicious salad is ideal for adding a touch of elegance to any gathering.

Get This Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Lobster Roll

A close-up of a lobster roll filled with chunks of lobster meat, garnished with chopped green herbs and nestled in a toasted bun. Beside it, there is a lemon wedge. The background shows more lobster rolls and lemon wedges.
Lobster Roll. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

This elegant Lobster Roll recipe features tender lobster chunks, crisp celery, and scallions, all brought together with creamy mayo and served on a buttery, toasted bun. Experience a touch of coastal luxury right at your horsey gathering!

Get This Recipe: Lobster Roll

Hazelnut Macarons

A white square dish is filled with several macarons that have light-colored shells and orange filling. The dish is placed on a wooden surface alongside Thanksgiving-themed decorations, including a small pumpkin, pine cones, and assorted berries.
Hazelnut Macarons. Image Credit: Baking A Moment.

These French Hazelnut Macarons are a stunning choice for dessert or party favors, rivaling champagne and caviar in elegance. The blend of hazelnut, pumpkin, and maple flavors makes them a perfect fall treat, and they’re naturally gluten-free!

Get This Recipe: Hazelnut Macarons

Curry Chicken Salad

A white oval plate holds several pieces of toasted baguette topped with a chicken salad mixture that includes grapes and herbs, garnished with chopped parsley. The plate is placed on a light-colored surface with a green and white cloth napkin underneath.
Curry Chicken Salad. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

This delightful Curry Chicken Salad is perfect for a refined sandwich, wrap, or served atop a generous bed of greens. With the addition of toasted almonds and fresh grapes, it strikes the perfect balance of crispiness and sweetness, making it an ideal choice for a horsey event such as Steeplechase.

Get This Recipe: Curry Chicken Salad

Fall Chickpea Salad

A vibrant salad with chickpeas, avocado, diced apples, red onion, cranberries, feta cheese, and pecans, garnished with lemon wedges. The salad is in a wooden bowl on a light-colored surface, accompanied by a striped cloth and a part of a sliced apple beside it.
Fall Chickpea Salad. Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod.

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Get This Recipe: Fall Chickpea Salad

Roast Beef Tenderloin

A person is slicing a seasoned, cooked roast beef on a wooden cutting board. The beef has a slightly charred crust and a juicy pink interior. The cutting board is placed on a white countertop.
Roast Beef Tenderloin. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

This Roast Beef Tenderloin begins with a slow roast in the oven and finishes with a flourish on the stove. Perfect for autumn gatherings, it’s fabulous sliced and served with horseradish cream on Cocktail Rye Slices, making it an impressive addition to any elegant event.

Get This Recipe: Roast Beef Tenderloin

Grilled Brie with Peaches

A wooden board holds a serving of crostini, with toasted bread slices surrounding a topping of diced peaches, basil leaves, and honey drizzle on a white parchment paper. Fresh peach slices, basil leaves, and a honey dipper are arranged around the board.
Grilled Brie with Peaches. Image Credit: Two Peas and Their Pod.

Grilled Brie with Peaches pairs creamy, melty cheese with juicy peaches, chopped candied pecans, fresh basil, and a drizzle of sweet honey. It’s the ideal treat for the portable hibachi at outdoor equestrian events, offering a delicious and elegant snack option.

Get This Recipe: Grilled Brie with Peaches

Cucumber Sandwiches

A wooden serving board with multiple small square canapés topped with cucumber slices and sprigs of dill, arranged around a small bowl of creamy dip in the center. The background features a light-colored surface.
Cucumber Sandwiches. Image Credit: Culinary Hill.

For a sophisticated party starter, try Cucumber Sandwiches. They’re a classic choice for elegant gatherings and spring events, and you’ll soon see why they’re such a hit!

Get This Recipe: Cucumber Sandwiches

Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Close-up of toast topped with creamy cheese, roasted red tomatoes, and garnished with fresh herbs on a white plate.
Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta. Photo Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta combines refined elegance with cocktail sophistication, offering a delightful mix of fresh herbs and roasted tomatoes in each delicious bite. Made ahead and assembled on site, this appetizer rivals champagne and caviar in its caliber of sophistication, perfect for any upscale gathering.

Get This Recipe: Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Pirates Punch

A glass jar with a black straw, filled with iced pink lemonade, sits beside a large, frosty pitcher containing more pink lemonade. Both containers are on a wooden table.
Pirates Punch. Image Credit: Not Entirely Average.

Pirates Punch is incredibly smooth and sweet, with the alcohol subtly masked by its delicious flavors. This can be both an advantage and a drawback, depending on how your day unfolds. It’s easy-drinking nature makes it perfect for gatherings but be mindful of its potency!

Get This Recipe: Pirates Punch

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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