Whether you are firing up the grill in a stadium parking lot or competing for a trophy at the Spencerville Smoke Ring, the KCBS Ancillary Tailgate Competition is where backyard tradition meets professional technique.
This specific category challenges cooks to elevate the "game day" experience with a mandatory twist: Pork must be the star of the show. This is your chance to move beyond the "Big Four" of the Master Series and prove that pork is the ultimate versatile tailgating protein.
The Tailgate Ancillary is designed to showcase creativity and portability. While you have the freedom of the tailgate theme, your entry must feature pork as the primary ingredient. Judges are looking for bold flavors that can be eaten on the move without sacrificing culinary excellence.
Creativity: How can you reimagine pork? Think beyond the standard pulled pork sandwich.
Execution: Perfectly rendered fat, balanced smoke profiles, and textures that hold up from the grill to the turn-in box.
Portability: It should scream "Sunday Afternoon"—bold, savory, and easy to enjoy in a festive atmosphere.
To take home the win, your dish needs to be the "MVP" of the parking lot. Consider these pork-forward concepts:
Pork Belly "Candy": Crispy, glazed pork belly burnt ends with a spicy kick.
Elevated Bratwurst: Hand-crafted pork sausages topped with innovative garnishes like smoked apple chutney.
Pork Sliders: Smoked tenderloin or carnitas-style pork on artisan rolls with bright, acidic slaws.
Handheld Ribs: Competition-style rib tips or "stix" designed for high-impact flavor in a single bite.