Super Bowl Party Ideas

Did you know that the Super Bowl is the second largest food holiday next to Thanksgiving? Given that most of us show up for the snacks, commercials and half time show, I’m sure this stat is not surprising. While your favorite team may not be playing in the big game this year, you’ll likely host or attend a get together in its honor.

So, how do you plan the ultimate Super Bowl party? Over the next week, I’m going to share everything you need to know to plan the best Super Bowl get together. First up in the planning, two easy and crowd pleasing menus!

Photo by The Veil Wedding Photography

Chili Bar

A chili bar is one of my favorite crowd pleasing menus. It’s ideal for chilly winter nights and provides options for almost any diet or dietary restriction. As an added bonus, it can be made ahead of time and reheated right before guests arrive. Make ahead recipes and menus are ideal for busy schedules.

Here’s my chili bar must haves:

• Chili - Use your favorite recipe (mine’s below) or make a second vegetarian chili if you’ll have vegetarians/vegans or guests who want a lighter option

• Toppings - shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onion, beans, jalapeños, hot sauce, and cilantro

• Chili Bases - Hot dogs, rice, Fritos, and/or pasta

• Sides - Corn bread, salad

Homemade Chili Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chuck roast ground once (chili grind - find a whole roast in your grocery store meat section and ask the meat department to grind)

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 tbsp + 1 tsp onion powder, divided

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp garlic powder, divided

• 4 tbsp chili powder, divided

• 2 tsp black pepper

• Salt, to taste

• 2 tbsp oregano

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp cumin

• 2 small cans diced green chiles

• 2 28 oz cans whole peeled tomatoes

• 1 bottle brown ale

• 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes

Directions

• Lightly brown meat in olive oil over medium - high heat with 2 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp chili powder, diced green bell pepper, salt and pepper to taste

• Once cooked, drain meat well

• Return meat to pot, add remaining ingredients and stir to combine

• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 hours until liquid reduces and desired consistency is reached

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Burger Bar

A burger bar is another game day crowd pleasing menu. Similar to a chili bar, it’s easy for people to customize to their specific dietary needs. In addition to burgers, you can also add grilled chicken breasts or veggie burgers depending upon your guests dietary restrictions.

Here’s how to create the ultimate burger bar…

Burger Bar Set-up

• Burgers, veggie burgers, grilled chicken with buns

• Condiments - lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, sliced cheese, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise

• Sides - chips, corn on the cob, salad, potato salad

Super Bowl Party Snacks

While the chili and burger bars cover your main courses, it’s a long game and we’re all here for the snacks. That means you’ll need a few more items on your menu. Here are some of my favorite make ahead additions to any menu…

• Cheese and Charcuterie Board

• Not from Scratch (but out of this world delicious) Cookies