Blake Shelton’s Tailgate Treats: Coleman Cooler Creations from Walmart’s Biggest Sale!

Are you ready to kick off your next tailgate, BBQ, or outdoor adventure with a touch of country charm? Inspired by none other than Blake Shelton himself, we’re diving into a world of delicious recipes perfect for packing in your brand-new Coleman cooler – especially if you snagged one during Walmart’s amazing sale! This isn’t just about keeping your drinks cold; it’s about crafting a culinary experience that’ll have everyone saying, “Honey Bee, this is good!”

This guide will walk you through mouthwatering recipes that are easy to prepare, transport, and enjoy, all while keeping that Blake Shelton spirit alive. We’ll cover everything from appetizers and main courses to refreshing drinks and even a couple of sweet treats. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to maximize your Coleman cooler’s performance, ensuring your food stays fresh and delicious throughout your entire event.

## The Allure of the Coleman Cooler: Your Tailgate Essential

Before we jump into the recipes, let’s talk about why a Coleman cooler is a must-have for any outdoor gathering. Known for their durability, insulation, and affordability, Coleman coolers have been a staple at tailgates, camping trips, and backyard parties for generations. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from classic hard-sided coolers to convenient soft-sided options, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your needs.

And if you were lucky enough to snag a Coleman cooler during a Walmart sale, congratulations! You’ve just unlocked a world of possibilities for keeping your food and drinks cold and fresh, no matter where your adventures take you.

## Tailgate-Ready Recipes Inspired by Blake Shelton

Now for the good stuff! Here are some delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes perfect for your next tailgate, inspired by Blake Shelton’s love of good food and good times:

### 1. “Ol’ Red” Pulled Pork Sliders

This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser and incredibly easy to make ahead of time. The key is slow-cooking the pork until it’s fall-apart tender.

**Ingredients:**

* 4-5 lb boneless pork shoulder
* 1 bottle (18 oz) Blake Shelton’s BBQ sauce (or your favorite BBQ sauce)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 tbsp smoked paprika
* 1 tsp chili powder
* 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Slider buns
* Coleslaw (optional, for topping)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pork:** Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. **Sear the Pork (Optional):** For extra flavor, sear the pork shoulder on all sides in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium-high heat. This step is optional but recommended.
3. **Slow Cook the Pork:** Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder on top. Pour in the chicken broth and BBQ sauce.
4. **Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, until the pork is fork-tender.
5. **Shred the Pork:** Remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Use two forks to shred the pork.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the BBQ sauce. Serve on slider buns, topped with coleslaw if desired.
7. **Cooler Packing:** Allow the pulled pork to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Pack the container in your Coleman cooler with plenty of ice packs to keep it cold.

### 2. “God Gave Me You” Grilled Chicken Skewers

These flavorful chicken skewers are perfect for grilling at your tailgate or preparing ahead of time. The marinade is what makes them truly special.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup lemon juice
* 2 tbsp soy sauce
* 2 tbsp honey
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
* 1 tsp dried oregano
* 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
* Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes), cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Marinade:** In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. **Marinate the Chicken:** Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
3. **Assemble the Skewers:** Thread the chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating with vegetables if desired.
4. **Grill the Skewers:** Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. **Cooler Packing:** Allow the grilled chicken skewers to cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. Pack the container in your Coleman cooler with plenty of ice packs to keep them cold.

### 3. “Some Beach” Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

These shrimp boil foil packets are a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic seafood feast without the mess. Each person gets their own individual packet, making them perfect for tailgating.

**Ingredients (per packet):**

* 1/2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/2 cup corn on the cob, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1/2 cup smoked sausage, sliced
* 1/4 cup red potatoes, quartered
* 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
* 1 tbsp butter, melted
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 lemon, sliced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Heavy-duty aluminum foil

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Foil Packets:** Cut a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 18 inches long). Fold it in half to create a double layer.
2. **Assemble the Packets:** Place the potatoes, corn, and sausage in the center of the foil. Top with the shrimp. Sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with melted butter.
3. **Seal the Packets:** Bring the long edges of the foil together and fold them over several times to create a tight seal. Fold in the ends to seal the packet completely.
4. **Grill or Bake:** Grill the foil packets over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the shrimp is pink and the potatoes are tender.
5. **Cooler Packing:** Allow the foil packets to cool slightly before placing them in your Coleman cooler. Wrap them individually in towels or blankets to help insulate them and keep them warm.

### 4. “Honey Bee” Watermelon & Feta Salad

This refreshing salad is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a light and delicious addition to your tailgate spread. It’s best served chilled.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 cups cubed watermelon
* 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
* 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta cheese, mint leaves, and red onion.
2. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
5. **Cooler Packing:** Pack the salad in an airtight container. Place the container in your Coleman cooler with plenty of ice packs to keep it cold. Consider packing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

### 5. “Home”-Style Potato Salad

No tailgate is complete without a classic potato salad. This recipe is simple, creamy, and full of flavor, just like grandma used to make.

**Ingredients:**

* 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup yellow mustard
* 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
* 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
* 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Paprika for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Potatoes:** Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender but not mushy, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool completely.
2. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and sweet pickle relish.
3. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the cooled potatoes, celery, red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs to the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir to combine.
4. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Chill:** Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. **Garnish:** Sprinkle with paprika before serving, if desired.
7. **Cooler Packing:** Pack the potato salad in an airtight container. Place the container in your Coleman cooler with plenty of ice packs to keep it cold.

### 6. “Boys ‘Round Here” Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers

Spice things up with these irresistible bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. They’re the perfect appetizer for any tailgate and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

**Ingredients:**

* 12 jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
* 12 slices bacon, halved

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Jalapeños:** Cut the jalapeño peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Be careful not to touch your eyes after handling jalapeños.
2. **Make the Filling:** In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
3. **Fill the Jalapeños:** Fill each jalapeño half with the cream cheese mixture.
4. **Wrap with Bacon:** Wrap each filled jalapeño half with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
5. **Grill or Bake:** Grill the jalapeño poppers over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the filling is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
6. **Cooler Packing:** Allow the jalapeño poppers to cool slightly before placing them in your Coleman cooler. Wrap them individually in foil or place them in an airtight container to prevent the bacon from becoming soggy.

### 7. “Sangria” Sweet Tea (Non-Alcoholic, of course!)

Quench your thirst with this refreshing sweet tea, infused with the flavors of sangria. It’s the perfect non-alcoholic beverage for a hot tailgate.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 cups brewed strong black tea, cooled
* 1 cup orange juice
* 1/2 cup lemon juice
* 1/4 cup lime juice
* 1/4 cup sugar (or to taste)
* 1 orange, sliced
* 1 lemon, sliced
* 1 lime, sliced
* 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
* Ice

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Liquids:** In a large pitcher, combine the cooled black tea, orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice.
2. **Sweeten:** Add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
3. **Add Fruit:** Add the sliced orange, lemon, lime, and mixed berries to the pitcher.
4. **Chill:** Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5. **Serve:** Pour over ice and garnish with additional fruit, if desired.
6. **Cooler Packing:** Pour the sweet tea into a large insulated beverage dispenser or several smaller water bottles. Pack the dispenser or bottles in your Coleman cooler with plenty of ice to keep it cold. Store the sliced fruit and berries in a separate container to add just before serving.

### 8. “Austin” Chocolate Chip Cookies

End your tailgate on a sweet note with these classic chocolate chip cookies. They’re easy to make ahead of time and are always a crowd-pleaser.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips

**Instructions:**

1. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
2. **Beat in Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips.
6. **Drop by Spoonfuls:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
7. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
8. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Cooler Packing:** Allow the cookies to cool completely before packing them in an airtight container. Pack the container in your Coleman cooler to keep them fresh. While it won’t keep them *cold*, a cooler provides insulation from the sun and warmer temperatures, helping to prevent them from melting if you’re using chocolate with a low melting point.

## Maximizing Your Coleman Cooler’s Performance

To ensure your food and drinks stay cold and fresh throughout your tailgate, follow these tips for maximizing your Coleman cooler’s performance:

* **Pre-chill your cooler:** The day before your event, fill your cooler with ice and let it sit overnight. This will help cool down the cooler’s interior and prevent it from absorbing heat from your food and drinks.
* **Use plenty of ice or ice packs:** The more ice you use, the longer your cooler will stay cold. Aim for a ratio of 2:1 ice to contents.
* **Use block ice and ice packs:** Block ice melts slower than cubed ice, and ice packs can be reused. A combination of both is ideal.
* **Pack strategically:** Place heavier items and drinks at the bottom of the cooler and lighter items on top. This will help keep the heavier items cold and prevent them from crushing the lighter items.
* **Keep the cooler out of direct sunlight:** Sunlight can quickly heat up your cooler. Find a shady spot to keep it or cover it with a blanket or towel.
* **Minimize opening the cooler:** Every time you open the cooler, you let cold air escape and warm air enter. Try to limit the number of times you open the cooler and close it quickly.
* **Drain melted ice regularly:** As the ice melts, it can create a layer of water that warms up more quickly than ice. Drain the melted ice regularly to keep the cooler cold.
* **Consider a separate cooler for drinks:** If you’re frequently opening the cooler to grab drinks, consider using a separate cooler just for drinks. This will help keep the food cooler colder.

## Walmart Sale Savings: A Cooler Deal is a Steal

Keep an eye out for Walmart sales and deals on Coleman coolers. These sales offer the perfect opportunity to upgrade your tailgating gear without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for a classic hard-sided cooler, a convenient soft-sided cooler, or a high-performance cooler with advanced insulation, Walmart often has options available at discounted prices.

## Bringing the Blake Shelton Vibe to Your Tailgate

Beyond the recipes, consider adding some Blake Shelton-inspired touches to your tailgate to really set the mood:

* **Music:** Create a playlist of Blake Shelton’s greatest hits to keep the party going.
* **Decor:** Decorate your tailgate area with country-themed decorations, such as checkered tablecloths, mason jars, and string lights.
* **Attire:** Encourage your guests to wear their best country attire, such as cowboy boots, hats, and denim.
* **Games:** Play some classic tailgate games, such as cornhole, ladder toss, or giant Jenga.

By combining delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a Blake Shelton-inspired atmosphere, you can create a tailgate that your friends and family will never forget.

## Conclusion: Tailgating Like a Country Star

With these recipes and tips, you’re well on your way to tailgating like a country star! Whether you’re grilling up some pulled pork sliders, enjoying a refreshing watermelon salad, or sipping on sweet tea sangria, these recipes are sure to impress your guests. And with your new Coleman cooler from Walmart, you can keep your food and drinks cold and fresh all day long. So gather your friends, fire up the grill, and get ready to tailgate in style!

Remember to always drink responsibly and have a designated driver. Enjoy your tailgate!